ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN DRINKING WATER SOURCES AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF LAFIA, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This study evaluated the concentrations of heavy metals—Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), and Lead (Pb)—in drinking water sources across the Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from male hostels, female hostels, and the mosque, then analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results showed elevated levels of Pb (0.019 ± 0.041 mg/L) and Cu (0.099 ± 0.007 mg/L), particularly in the boys’ hostel. Chromium was least detected, while Zn and Cd appeared at moderate, consistent levels across all sites. Although concentrations were largely within WHO permissible limits, the presence of toxic metals raises public health concerns and emphasizes the need for regular water quality surveillance and infrastructural improvements on campus. It is recommended that periodic water treatment and maintenance of distribution systems be enforced to minimize contamination risks.