Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Domestic Water in Some Selected Areas in Yola North, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Heavy metal contamination of water resources and associated health risks pose a significant challenge, particularly in developing regions undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the Heavy Metal Contamination in Domestic Water in Some Selected Areas in Yola North, Adamawa State, Nigeria using appropriate standard technique. Data obtained show that the mean concentration of chromium (Cr) was (0.149, 0.013 and 0.013) across all months (December, January, February) respectively. Lead (Pb) was not detected across most sites in the month of December. For the month of January and February, mean concentration of lead was (0.005). Copper (Cu) was also not detected across most sites during the study period. The mean concentration of Cu was (0.035, 0.022 and 0.022) across all months (December, January, February) respectively. Nickel (Ni) was only detected in Rumde during the month of December. In January it was detected across two sites (Jambutu and Rumde) in and was detected only in Jambutu during February. Mean concentration of Nickel was (0.048) across all sites. Concentration of Cadmium (Cd) was (0.009) across December and January and (0.006) during February. The results revealed that heavy metal levels exceeding guidelines at various sites especially Chromium and Cadmium. Chromium (Cr) contamination in the domestic water samples was concern across the study area. The results revealed it exceeds the WHO permissible limit of 0.005 mg/L for Cr in drinking water. These values are much higher than the WHO guideline, indicating a severe risk of Cr exposure through domestic water consumption in these areas. Also, Cadmium (Cd) levels emerged as a significant concern across multiple sites during all three months of the study. The presence of Cd is particularly concerning due to its high toxicity and potential for bioaccumulation in the human body.