Research article

Trace elements as an indicator of quality of drinking water in Kano State Water treatment Plants

^*1Umar A, ¹Balan IU, ²Jimoh WLO, ³Mohammed Y and ⁴Kutama AS

¹Department of Science Laboratory Technology Kano State Polytechnic, Nigeria

²Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

³Nigeria Defense Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria

⁴Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa state, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: aliumar4u@icloud.com

Accepted 28 October 2014

Abstract

This study involved the determination of trace elements in Kano State water treatment plants. Drinking water samples were collected from water treatment plants and analyzed for some dangerous and carcinogenic trace elements such as Cadmium. Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Manganese and Magnesium using Atomic Absorption Spectrotometer. The results of the study showed that the concentration ranges of metals in the samples as follows; 0.01-0.07mg/L for Cd, 0.005-0.03mg/L for Co, 0.01-0.04mg/L for Cr, 0.01.0.018 mg/L for Cu, 0.015 – 0.018 mg/L-1 for Mg, 0.005 – 0.05 mg/L-1 for Mn. The results therefore connotes that the concentrations of the various elements are within the permissible limit of the WHO drinking water quality guidelines hence, the water is safe for drinking.

Keywords: Kano state water treatment plant, trace elements, water quality, WHO standard