Hydrochemistry of water from Bauchi state, Nigeria

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2010 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Geology, Mineralogy, Soil Science, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (Geology Department), course: Geology, language: English, abstract: Groundwater samples were collected from some villages in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The samples were analyzed at the Geology Programme laboratory, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi. Concentration of iron, lead, manganese, chromium, calcium, copper, zinc and nickel were determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).

Results of the analyses show low values for iron, lead, manganese, calcium and copper in some locations (below the World Health Organizations (WHO) maximum permissible limit for drinking water). Concentrations of nickel and chromium in some locations are high (above the WHO maximum permissible limit for drinking water). Adequate concentrations of some of these trace elements in drinking water help in maintaining metabolism of the human body, however, higher or lower concentrations could have adverse effects on humans.