Assessment of the Physico-Chemical Parameters of Wikki Warm Spring Water at Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The physicochemical parameters and heavy metals present in the Wikki Warm Spring water at Yankari 
Game Reserve, Bauchi State have not been thoroughly investigated. This lack of information hinders a 
comprehensive understanding of the water quality in this natural resource. The ecological and human 
balance of the reserve may also be at risk due to the possible presence of heavy metals in the water. The 
study considered three separate locations of the Wikki warm spring water, Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi 
State, and investigated the levels of selected heavy metals and physicochemical properties of the water and 
sediment. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using appropriate standard methods, and heavy 
metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The results of the physicochemical 
analysis indicated that most of the parameters were below the WHO (2008) allowable limit. The mean 
the concentration of Lead (Pb) in both the water and sediment samples were above the recommended maximum 
permissible limit WHO (2008). Similarly, the Pb mean concentration ± standard deviation of source sample, 
middle sample, end sample and sediment samples are (0.223±0.0788, 0.379±0.0917, 0.200±0.0052 and 
0.233±01050) mg/L respectively; Pb in the water samples were above the allowable limit value of 0.05 
mg/L indicating pollution. The high lead content in the water suggests that it may not be entirely safe for 
residential use and that residents and the society at large are at risk of environmental health problems.