Trace Metals in Surface and Subsurface Water in Kaduna South Industrial Area North-Central Nigeria

This study discusses the analysis of trace elements constituents in parts of Kaduna South industrial area of the Basement Complex of North-Central Nigeria which is necessary to ensure that objectionable elements like Cr, As and Pb whose ingestion in high doses can have serious consequences on the health of the populace, are not significant in the water. In line with this, 22 water samples were obtained, three from boreholes, eleven from surface water and 8 from hand-dug wells and analysed for the presence of 19 trace metals in the study area. The trace metals concentration levels were compared with the regulation. K, Ca, Mn, Zn and Cu were within the maximum contaminant level (mcl) accounting for 23.62% while V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Ga, As, Se, Pb, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr and Mo, whose concentration level exceed the maximum contaminant level (mcl) accounting for 73.68% of the total contaminants. The high percentage of trace metals that exceed the maximum contaminant level suggests that the water within the study area may be classified as been highly polluted and thus unfit for drinking especially regard to Arsenic, Lead and Chromium content. Domestic and industrial waste should be properly disposed and recycled. The government industrial regulating bodies should make conscientious effort to control, regulate and educate the industries and the populace on indiscriminate waste disposal from domestic and industries within the study area.