Metal Analysis of Dissolved Sediments Discharged from Samaru Stream into Kubanni Reservoir of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

摘要

This study analyzes heavy metals in the dissolved sediment delivery of Samaru stream into Kubanni reservoir of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Sediment samples were collected using the USDH sediment sampler between 1~(st) of April to 10~(th) of October, 2014 which marks the flow period of the year. The study analyzed the dissolved sediment concentration (DSC) and heavy metals from the residue sample of dissolved sediment. DSC obtained vary from a minimum value of 20 mg/L to a maximum value of 120 mg/L with a mean value of 58.87 mg/L. Total of 17 elements with varying degree of concentrations ranging from as low as 0.0 for Re to 9.50 mg/L for Ca were detected by the x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The World Health Organization (WHO) and National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDQW) recommended standards were used as guideline. Eleven out of the seventeen elements identified were heavy metals with nickel (Ni) as the most toxic with a mean concentration value of 0.08 mg/L. Other elements identified to be above the recommended standards are iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) with mean concentrations of 1.25 mg/L and 0.38 mg/L, respectively. Comparing the result of the XRF analysis with the recommended standards, it was observed that most of the heavy metals identified are below the permissible limits for drinking purpose, domestic use and discharges into stream which implies that the Samaru stream is still well oxygenated from the anthropogenic activities upstream.