Comparative Analysis of Some Trace Metals in Municipal and Spring Water from Makerere University and Selected Springs in Bunga, Uganda
Ronald Ntuwa
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
Patrick Onen *
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, P.O.Box 1, Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Kerala, Gandhibhavan, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695581, India.
Gabson Baguma
Department of Physical Sciences, School of Natural and Applied Science, Kampala International University, P.O.Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Box 451045, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV, USA.
Eric Niringiyimana
Department of Physical Sciences, School of Natural and Applied Science, Kampala International University, P.O.Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda.
Ivan Byaruhanga
Department of Physical Sciences, School of Natural and Applied Science, Kampala International University, P.O.Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda.
Thomas Otema
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, P.O.Box 1, Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda.
Wycliffe Ampaire
Department of Physical Sciences, School of Natural and Applied Science, Kampala International University, P.O.Box 20000, Kampala, Uganda.
Denish Adolfo Ogenrwot
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, P.O.Box 1, Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda.
Daniel Ocira
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kyambogo University, P.O.Box 1, Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Access to clean and safe water is a challenge globally. This study assessed the levels of three trace metals (iron, copper and chromium) and chlorine in water samples from municipal water supply points in Makerere University and springs from Bunga, Uganda.
Study Design: This research employed a quantitative analytical method.
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from five different sites of Makerere University halls and Bunga springs, Kampala. This study was undertaken between May 2021 and October 2021.
Methodology: Trace metal content and free chlorine of the water samples were determined and calibrated using multiparameter Palintest 7100 photometer.
Results: Analytical results indicated that the average iron, copper and chromium and chlorine content of the tap water samples from the municipal supply system were 0.0125 ± 0.00433 mg/L, 0.155 ± 0.0384 mg/L, 0.0325 ± 0.01479 mg/L and 3.045 ± 0.180623 mg/L, respectively. The corresponding mean values for water samples from Bunga springs were 0.0080 ± 0.0109 mg/L, 0.0124 ± 0.2019 mg/L, 0.056 ± 0.02073 mg/L and 0.00 ± 0.00 mg/L, respectively. These average values were within the maximum permissible limits of 0.3 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L for iron, copper and chromium in drinking water as recommended by the World Health Organization. However, springs A and B had chromium concentrations above the recommended value of 0.05 mg/L.
Conclusion: Trace metal and chlorine content of the sampled water were within compliance limits except for chromium which exceeded at springs A and B in Bunga, Kampala.
Keywords: Iron, portable water, drinking water, Makerere University