Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals in Ground Water Around Dangote Cement Factory Obajana Kogi State Nigeria

Abstract

The physicochemical characteristics of ground water (well) located at Obajana in Kogi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State were investigated using standard methods. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the impacts of Dangote Cement factory activities located in the area. A total of four (4) ground water samples from different points and the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals were analysed. The pH value ranges from 6.62 – 7.97, total dissolved solids (TDS) values ranges from 320 – 890 mg/L, electrical conductivity (EC) values ranges from 581 – 850 mg/L, Phosphate ranges from 0.68 – 1.05 mg/L, Nitrate ranges from 5.94 – 6.49 mg/L. Turbidity ranges from 7.87 – 8.24 NTU, alkalinity ranges from 0.1 – 0.4 mg/L, dissolved oxygen ranges from 4.2 – 5.2 mg/L, total hardness ranges from 179 – 476.2 mg/L, CT ranges from 29.89 to 73.74 mg/L and temperature ranges from 27°C to 31°C. Metals like Arsenic ranges from 0.027 – 0.029 ppm, Lead ranges from 0.029 to 0.40 ppm, Zinc ranges from 0.002 to 0.006 ppm, Cadmium ranges from 0.061 to 0.074 ppm, Copper ranges from 0.002 to 0.006 ppm, while Iron ranges from 0.015 to 0.069 ppm, and Nickel ranges from 0.002 to 0.006 ppm. These results obtained fell within the maximum allowable limit set by the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality and World Health Organization for drinking water except for turbidity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate and electrical conductivity and also suggested the need to take adequate and necessary steps in regulating and monitoring of drinking water in settlement around industrial areas.