Elemental composition of drinking water supplies in three states in Southeastern Nigeria

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 227; no. 1-2; pp. 117 - 119
• Main Authors: Nkono, N. A., Asubiojo, O. I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1998
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02386440

The elemental levels in water samples from treated borehole water at water corporations and public tap supplies from more than 100 stations in south-eastern Nigeria were determined to check for compliance with international standards for drinking water. Trace elements (cobalt, manganese, copper, zinc, chromium, cadmium, lead, iron, mercury, selenium, arsenic and nickel) were determined by thin film energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and minor elements (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean levels and ranges of the elements are presented. In the borehole water samples, only mercury had a mean level above the WHO limit (3.69 ug per litre, compared with the WHO limit of 1.0 ug per litre), although violations were also observed for iron, zinc, selenium and lead in 2.5 to 5.0 per cent of the borehole samples. In the public tap water samples, the mean mercury concentration of 1.31 ug per litre exceeded the WHO limit but the levels of all the other elements were below WHO limits. Possible sources of trace metal contamination are discussed. The measured concentrations of lead and mercury were a major health concern.