Determination of Selected Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Commonly Used in main campus Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto

Background: This study analyzed five water samples commonly used for drinking in the community of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto main campus for the concentration of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu). Materials and Methods: The water samples (tap, well and sachet) were obtained from student’s hostel, Dundaye village and university minimart. The samples were acid digested, filtered, and diluted for analysis using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). Results: Results of the analysis revealed absence of lead, high concentration of Cd (0.0174 ppm), Cr (0.1195 ppm), Fe (4.169 ppm) and low concentration of Cu (0.2503 ppm) in comparison with WHO recommendation. Conclusion: Heavy metals contamination was more pronounced in the well water from Dundaye village, which therefore pose health threat to consumers. In light of this observation regular monitoring is needed to alert consumers about the menace of heavy metals in drinking water from time to time. Key Word: Heavy metals, Water, AAS, WHO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date of Submission: 05-02-2020 Date of Acceptance: 20-02-2020 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------