Assessment of Some Heavy Metals of Spring Waters and Sediments from Iddo Wara Wale Area of Dale Sadi District, Kellem Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the spring water quality in Iddo Wara Wale area of Dale Sadi district, Kellem Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia.  A total of 20 L samples were collected from five densely populated springs- Ittisa, Abba Moga, Kersa, Ele Gonda and Merfata. All the samples were analyzed for six heavy metals (Mn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe and Zn) using standard methods. The sediment samples collected along with each spring were also analyzed for these metals. All the metals were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) along with the method validation. Among the metals analyzed for waters, Cd and Cr were below the method detection limit. However, the concentration of Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn were ranged from mean values of 0.119–0.227 mg/L, 0.142–0.166 mg/L, 0.183–0.267 mg/L, and 0.074–0.181 mg/L, respectively. The sediment analysis showed the mean concentration range of 348.31–429.21 mg/kg, 0.23–0.28 mg/kg, 18.73–22.84 mg/kg, 2.76–3.15 mg/kg, 941.84–1128.56 mg/kg, and 42.39–66.53 mg/kg for Mn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, and Zn, respectively. The heavy metal levels in waters were below the WHO and Ethiopian guidelines for drinking water quality, indicating no harmful effect on drinking. Also, the heavy metal levels in sediments were below the interim sediment quality guidelines, indicating no potential pollution in sediments.