ASSESSMENT OF LEAD AND CADMIUM CONCENTRATION ALONG THE FLOW PATH OF THE CHANCHANGA DAM, MINNA NORTH CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analyzed the levels of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in Chanchaga Dam in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Water samples from different locations within the dam path (Upper, Middle and Down) were collected and tested using the Per chloric and Nitric acid digestion method and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) analysis. The study also examined the physical and chemical properties of the water including pH, total organic matter, and electrical conductivity. The results revealed that Cd concentrations were 0.006 mg/l, 0.004 mg/l and 0.014 mg/l in the upper, middle and lower side of the dam respectively. For Pb, the concentrations were 0.8375 mg/l, 0.7865 mg/l and 0.9630 mg/l in the upper, middle and lower side of the dam. Statistical analysis showed no significant three-way interaction between the different river locations. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between the upper and middle, upper and lower and middle and lower side of the dam. The study concluded that consuming water directly from Chanchaga Dam could pose health risks due to Cd and Pb levels surpassing the limits set by the World Health Organization (0.003 mg/l for Cd and 0.010 mg/l for Pb). It is therefore recommended that continuous monitoring of the water source to regulate the accumulation of these elements and improve water quality is essential. This study contributes valuable information about Chanchaga Dam, serving as a reference for future studies and emphasizing the importance of monitoring and enhancing the overall quality of the water.