Determination of heavy metals along River Jakara in Urban Kano and their health implication; for sustainable development in Nigeria

The paper assesses the determination of some heavy metals along River Jakara and their health implications on human beings. Water samples were collected at various sampling points during both dry and rainy seasons and analyzed at the laboratory using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique. The results obtained show the presence of some heavy metals in concentrations above the permissible limits of 0.01mg/l and 0.05mg/l WHO, 2007 and FEPA, 1999 respectively. However, the research findings show that almost all samples reveal lead pollution. The highest value is recorded as 0.86mg/l at the Industrial discharge point (X4 July). Recommendations to prevent the substances from reaching Harmful levels or to minimize damages are made. The use of mass media for propagating environmental education, with emphasis on impacts of indiscriminate waste discharge on water quality, public health and environment are also suggested.