PHYSIOCHEMICAL AND HEAVY METALS ANALYSIS OF WATER IN HALLS OF RESIDENCE AT EDO STATE UNIVERSITY IYAMHO

ABSTRACT This study determines the physiochemical and heavy metal contents of ground water samples at halls of residence.In this study, 10 different water samples were collected from all boreholes (five) in the halls of residence in Edo State University Iyamho. Standard methods were used for determining chemical and physical characteristics of the water samples. Samples were analyzed for the following physicochemical properties: pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, total dissolved oxygen (DO), total alkalinity, nitrate, chloride, and phosphate, using standard techniques. The levels of lead, iron, cadmium, manganese and arsenic were determined with the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The pH levels (6.6–8.0) indicate neutral to slightly alkaline water, falling within the acceptable range of 6.0–8.5. Electrical conductivity (289–312 μS/cm) and alkalinity (118.90–121.00 mg/L) are within the standards of 300 μS/cm and 120 mg/L, respectively, suggesting moderate mineralization and stable buffering capacity. Total hardness (148.99–150.70 mg/L) aligns with the 150 mg/L standard, indicating moderately hard water suitable for consumption. Dissolved oxygen (4.89–5.10 mg/L) meets the 5 mg/L standard, reflecting well-oxygenated conditions. Phosphates (0.28–0.33 mg/L), sulfates (147.99–150.88 mg/L), and nitrates (47.09–50.03 mg/L) are within their respective limits of 0.3 mg/L, 150 mg/L, and 50 mg/L respectively, indicating low pollution risks. However, concerns arise with heavy metal concentrations. Lead (0.00–0.01 mg/L) and cadmium (0.000–0.001 mg/L) are within the 0.01 mg/L and 0.003 mg/L standards, respectively, showing minimal contamination. Iron (0.01–0.21 mg/L) remains below the 0.3 mg/L limit, posing no immediate health issues. There is need forconduction of quarterly testing of all parameters, with a focus on manganese and arsenic contents in halls H1 BWS and H3 BWS, to ensure ongoing compliance and detect seasonal or anthropogenic influences. Filtration systems (e.g., activated alumina for arsenic and ion exchange for manganese) should be installed in halls H1 BWS and H3 BWS to reduce concentrations below NSDWQ and WHO limits.