Assessment Of Selected Trace Elements Concentration in Eleyele Lake-Water, Ibadan South Western Nigeria

TL;DR

This study assesses the concentration of trace elements in Eleyele Lake, revealing that while most elements are within WHO limits, high levels of Al and Fe from human activities pose health risks, making the water unsafe for consumption.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of physical and chemical parameters of Eleyele Lake, highlighting contamination sources and health implications, which was not previously documented.

Findings

Most trace elements are within WHO limits.

High Al and Fe levels are linked to human activities.

Lake water is unsafe for consumption due to contamination.

Abstract

Eleyele Lake has enormous economic importance as it is completely surrounded by various communities which discharge their domestic waste directly into the lake. This alters the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the lake. It is essential to assess the water for its various usage. Twelve (12) samples were collected from various locations of the lake and analysed. Some physical parameters (electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Ph and temperature were determined in-situ. The rest of the sample was taken to the laboratory for various chemical analysis and the results were compared to the WHO standards. The chemical extent of the contamination was determined by the contamination factor, degree of contamination and Geo-Accumulation Index. The physical parameters show that the TDS has an average of 122.2ppm and EC was uniform throughout the various points of reading suggesting that the lake is fresh water. The pH averaged at 72, temperature at 27.2 degrees. The selected trace element falls within the WHO acceptable limits. Their contamination indices showed that Ba, Co, Cs, Cu, Mo, Rb, Sr and Zn are generally less than one depicting their geogenic origin. The high degree of contamination is influenced by high levels of Al and Fe due to human activities and industrial waste disposal and can lead to anemia, osteomalacia (brittle or soft bones), cardiac arrest, stomach problems, nausea, and hemochromatosis. Thus, Eleyele lake is not advisable for consumption.