Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe and Cd during the dry season in River Jakara, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

 The concentration of Pb, Cu, Fe and Cd in River Jakara in Kano was determined during the dry season of January to April 2003 by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS).  The monthly levels of the metal concentrations and the mean metal concentrations of the five sites showed that Fe > Pb > Cu > Cd.  The concentration of these metals were higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels of 0.1 mg/l, 0.05 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l and 0.01 mg/l for Pb, Cu, Fe and Cd respectively for drinking water. The concentration of Cd in some sites in April (0.1 - 0.2 mg/l) was slightly higher than the recommendation (0.05 - 0.1 mg/l) in water meant for irrigation. There was no significant variation (p > 0.05) in the concentration of Pb, Cu and Fe between the months, but Cd varied significantly (p < 0.05) between months.  There was also no significant difference (p > 0.05) in metal concentrations between the sites.  The study highlights the implication of the high concentration of these metals, particularly Cd in the biota and its consequences on vegetables irrigated with River Jakara water, and ultimately on consumers of the vegetables.