Determination of Trace Metals Quality of Sources of Drinking Water in Some Selected Communities in the Akuapem South District of the Eastern Region, Ghana

Abstract

The study was undertaken in three communities namely Adamrobe, Aburi and Pokrom-Nsaba, all located in the Akuapim South District of the Eastern Region. These communities depend on streams, wells, and springs for their drinking water requirements. The objective of the study was to assess the trace metals quality of the drinking water sources used by the communities. Water samples from these sources (streams, wells, and springs) were analyzed over a period of twelve months for various water quality parameters including the following trace metals: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), & arsenic (As), following standard methods designed in APHA, AWWA, and WEF. The results of the study revealed that, most of the mean levels of trace metals registered from the water samples were below the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) recommended critical limits for drinking water standards. The low level of trace metals recorded in the water samples was due to the absence of industrial and mining activities in these communities and their environs. The high level of lead registered in ABSP was as a result of the low pH discovered in the water sample for that station. It is therefore recommended that further study be conducted to track the long term health effects of the trace metals in the drinking water sources used by the study communities.

Keywords: Trace Metals Quality, Sources of Drinking Water, Selected Communities, Akuapem South District, Eastern Region, Ghana.