Determination of the Level of Selected Heavy Metals and some physicochemical parameters in Spring, River and well Waters of Hawisa Bulo Kebele, Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted the physicochemical parameters and concentrations of six heavy metals were determined in water samples and three different water samples obtained in sites, Hawisa Bulo Kebele using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFAAS). The aim of the study was to determine heavy metals levels (i.e Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Cd and Cr) in different water samples of spring, River and well water Hawisa Bulo Jimma zone. Samples were collected from different sampling position so as to represent spring, River and well water. Micro wave digestion system with early optimized procedure utilizing 3:1 mL ratio of HNO3-HCl were utilized for water samples digestion. Concentrations of six metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Cd and Cr) was determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and selected physicochemical property of water were determined utilizing pH meter, turbid meter measuring instruments. The results result revealed that the selected heavy metal concentrations (in range) in water samples were; Zn 1.98±0.046 - 2.003±0.142 mg/l, Cu 1.576±0.008 - 1.580±0.005 mg/l, Pb; 0.003±0.0007 - 0.034±0.002 mg/L, Co; 0.016±0.001 - 0.028±0.002 mg/l in the all water samples. The highest concentration of Zinc and copper was observed at spring water lead at well water and cobalt at river water. Except Eelectrical Conductivity and turbidity in the Jawi River looks above permitted level, the physicochemical properties of water samples were observed standard limit of WHO guide line. There was no significant difference between the three sites water were result data analyzed metals. Data were subjected to SPSS (Version 23) Software so as to signify the difference among all variables. Finally, due to some physical parameters like conductivity and turbidly and heavy metal like cupper become above the allowed permissible limit set by WHO for drinking water purpose further investigation is mandatory to look in depth the level of contaminants. The findings indicate that, there is a need to protect the quality of the river system.