TRACE ELEMENTS CONCENTRATION DETERMINATION IN WATER FROM KEANA MINE AREA USING THE INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA OPTICAL EMISSION SPECTROMETRY (ICP – OES)

Achide Samson Achide

Department of Science

College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nigeria

Email: gistwitachide@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Water samples across Keana Salt mine area of Nasarawa State were subjected to elemental analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry technique, with the aim of building upon the information in the database of trace element concentration in water from the area and to assess the extent of environmental hazard or otherwise. The analysis was carried out at the department of Geology and Mining of the University of Jos. A total of 8 water samples were drawn from sources across the study area, comprising of 4 Stream samples and 4 Borehole samples. Analysis was carried out for a total of seven (7) elements which included As, Cd, Cr, Sr, Pb, Zn and Th. Arsenic (As) was detected in all the samples at a mean concentration of which is very high when compared with the recommended maximum permissible value of 0.010 mg/L by the Environmental Protection Agency. The mean concentration of Sr in the samples was. The maximum permissible concentration for this element vary from 0.8 – 5.0 mg/L, therefore the concentration detected may just be acceptable. These observations suggest that water from the study area should be closely monitored to reduce its harmful effects on the environment and health of the inhabitants.

KEYWORDS: Mining, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, Trace   Elements, Elemental Concentration.