Assessment of Heavy metals contaminants in Mountain Top University Lake

This research investigated heavy metals contaminants in Mountain Top University (MTU) Lake. The use of the lake for several agricultural purposes particularly fishing necessitated this project as most people in the community patronize the bay for food. It is expected that the contents of the lake will invariably make up the water animals therein. This report examines the physicochemical quality of the Lake. Lammottee spectrophotometer was used to determine the array of metals present in the body of water. The result from the physicochemical analysis reveals the presence of Chromium (Cr) 4.31 ppm, Lead (Pb) 0.04 ppm, Iron (Fe) 0.49 ppm, Copper (Cu) 0.12 ppm, and Manganese (Mn) 0.03 ppm. Out of these five heavy metals analysed, Only Copper and Manganese were below acceptable consumable levels, Iron, Lead and Chromium were above with Chromium at exceeding concentration. This indicated substantial deviation from the recommended or regulatory limit. The high concentration of chromium in particular in the body of the water rendered the lake unfit for agricultural purposes. Chromated water is toxic to the health of living organisms with minimal benefits.