Assessment of the Physico-Chemical Parameters of Wikki Warm Spring Water at Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria

The physicochemical parameters and heavy metals present in the Wikki Warm Spring water at Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State have not been thoroughly investigated. This lack of information hinders a comprehensive understanding of the water quality in this natural resource. The ecological and human balance of the reserve may also be at risk due to the possible presence of heavy metals in the water. The study considered three separate locations of the Wikki warm spring water, Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, and investigated the levels of selected heavy metals and physicochemical properties of the water and sediment. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using appropriate standard methods, and heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The results of the physicochemical analysis indicated that most of the parameters were below the WHO (2008) allowable limit. The mean the concentration of Lead (Pb) in both the water and sediment samples were above the recommended maximum permissible limit WHO (2008). Similarly, the Pb mean concentration ± standard deviation of source sample, middle sample, end sample and sediment samples are (0.223±0.0788, 0.379±0.0917, 0.200±0.0052 and 0.233±01050) mg/L respectively; Pb in the water samples were above the allowable limit value of 0.05 mg/L indicating pollution. The high lead content in the water suggests that it may not be entirely safe for residential use and that residents and the society at large are at risk of environmental health problems.