LEAD ASSESSMENT IN DOMESTIC WATER SOURCES IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract The rate of Water contamination by lead in sub–Saharan Africa is at an alarming rate, and it is a source of concern for the Environmental managers especially in Nigeria. Physiochemical parameters in water samples from tap water, well water, and river water in Malete were assessed. Water samples were collected over two weeks, and parameters such as turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), pH, and lead (Pb) concentrations were measured using standard procedures. The results were then compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water. The major findings revealed that the Zinc and lead concentrations in Malete's water sources significantly exceeded WHO's permissible limits of 0.01 mg/L, with the highest lead levels detected in the Malete River (0.085 mg/L). Other physiochemical parameters, including TDS, COD, and BOD, indicated varying degrees of water quality issues, with particularly high organic pollution levels in the river water. These findings suggest that the water contamination originated from a combination of aging infrastructure, such as decayed lead pipes, and dumping of refuse. There is urgent need to take measures to curb this from escalating, youth occupy large space in to future generation, save guarding their health is key to national development. Replacing corroded lead pipes and alternative source of water will help reduce over dependent on one source of water.