Mercury, Cadmium and Nickel Contamination Levels in Water Samples of Bagega Artisanal Gold Mining Communities: The Environmental Health Importance.
Mercury, Cadmium and Nickel Contamination Levels in Water Samples of Bagega Artisanal Gold Mining Communities: The Environmental Health Importance.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014
Authors
M. S. Sallau,
Majiya, M. H.
Nuhu, A. A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The environmental health implication of some heavy metals cannot be overlooked due to their toxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic nature. Recently, toxicity due to heavy metals was reported in Zamfara State of Nigeria with some fatalities. This study was, therefore, carried out to assess the concentration of three important heavy metals (Ni, Cd and Hg) in water samples of the affected locations. Surface, borehole and domestic well water samples were obtained from Topeki, Bagega, Tunga-kudeku and Dereta. Heavy metals concentration levels in these samples were quantitatively determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). It was observed that while all samples were found contaminated with Ni, samples from Topeki, Bagega and Tunga-kudeku also contained Hg. Therefore, it was concluded that, in general, water bodies within the study area may not be fit for drinking by humans and animals.
Description
Keywords
artisanal gold mining,, carcinogenic,, environmental health,, mutagenic,, contamination,, water.