Heavy Metals Concentration in Ground Water caused by Automobile Workshop Activities and its Health Implication on the Inhabitants of Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This experimentation is conducted to assess the ground water in Makurdi
metropolis, North Central Nigeria for possible contamination by
automobile mechanic workshops. Water samples were collected
systematically from some hand dug wells around the two oldest and largest
mechanic workshops (Apir and Northbank mechanic villages
respectively) within Makurdi metropolis. At each sample location, the
water samples were collected from five different wells each 10m apart in
the direction outward from the mechanic village. Reference samples were
also collected about 150m away from the last well sampled in each of the
sites to serve as control. Generally, heavy metal concentrations were
found to be within the WHO acceptable limits for drinking water with the
exception of Zinc (Zn) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations which exceeded
the WHO limits of 1.5mg/l and 0.001mg/l respectively in some of the
samples. The results indicate that the activities taking place at the
mechanic workshops affect the level of heavy metal concentrations in
water in the areas. The elevated levels of heavy metals constitute a serious
threat to both surface and groundwater, which have direct health
implication on its users.