Analysis of Heavy Metals in Water around Gidan Saru Mining Site, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Mining processes result in large amounts of toxic waste Particles, mine tailings might be carried by wind to contaminate broad areas, including water bodies. Chemicals and heavy metals contaminate nearby water sources in most mining areas of Nigeria where Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining is commonly practiced. Five water samples from one of the gold mines of Zamfara state were analysed for heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe and Cu) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The analysed samples shows mean concentrations (mg/l) ranged of 0.00-29.40, 9.49-15.70, 10.16-382.44, 1.61-3.91,8.7319.20,14.11-244.01 and 68.22-103.22mg/l respectively. When compared with the maximum allowed limits set by World Health Organisation (WHO), National Standard Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for drinking water, the samples are totally contaminated with all heavy metals being analysed. The pH value ranged between  5.24-6.72 out of five hand dung wells only one has meet the standard of WHO, NSDWQ and USEPA. This study concluded that the study area was polluted.  A possible solution is needed from appropriate agencies to overcome the problems