Assessment of the Physico-chemical Parameters and Heavy Metal Concentration of Delimi Wastewater in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State.

Abstract

The high-water demand for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses has increased water scarcity and is becoming alarming as natural or anthropogenic sources sometimes pollute the available water resources.  Wastewater at Delimi was analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentration before and after the discharge of effluents into the water.  Standard analytical methods were employed to analyze the physicochemical parameters, while the chemical analysis for the heavy metals was done using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).  Results of the analysis showed the following ranges: temperature 20.30°C -24.40°C, pH 7.46 - 8.45, conductivity 310.40 - 481.68 µs/cm, total solids 318 - 481.00 mg/L, suspended solid 132.40 - 194.50 mg/L, dissolved solids 186. 40 - 287.00 mg/L, total hardness 496.20 - 651.00 mg/L, calcium hardness 121.37 - 147, 82 mg/L, magnesium hardness 103.00 - 124.00 mg/L, chloride 90.00 - 132.00 mg/L and sulphate 183.00 - 247.20 mg/L. All parameters assessed were within the WHO permissible limits except for chloride.  Before the point of discharge, the wastewater recorded heavy metal concentration in the range of 0.00 – 5.80 ppm and 0.06 – 11.26 ppm after the point of effluent discharge.  Iron recorded the highest value, which is above the WHO permissible limit, and lead, the lowest value, while Nickel and Manganese were not detected.  Wastewater after the point of effluent discharge recorded higher concentration values, indicating the negative effects on the heavy metal concentration of the effluent discharges in the water.  The resulting discharge increased the heavy metal concentration in the water, posing health challenges to the people within the environment.  Using this wastewater for agricultural irrigation and laundry purposes could bring about exposure to heavy metals contained in it.