Assessment of Heavy Metal levels in Lake Geriyo, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The assessment the levels of heavy metals in water samples from Lake Geriyo, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from three sites from January, 2013 to June, 2014  for the determination of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Cobalt (Co). The levels of heavy metals in the water samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Ni,Cu, Pband Co in the water samples were higher than the WHO guideline limits while Zn was within WHO guideline limits, indicating that the pollution level of Lake Geriyo is eminent.  Concentrations of heavy metal was higher in dry than rainy season.. All values of the parameter studied were not within permissible limits of WHO except Zn in both the seasons.  This high level of some heavy metals in the dry season is as a result of farming activities taking place around the lake. The presence of heavy metals in the water samples from Lake Geriyo give cause for concern with time. The results of the study implies that continuous monitoring of these heavy metals in these study area has to be carried outto ascertain the long-term impact of anthropogenic inputs to take remedial measures so as to ensure the good health of aquatic life.