In this research work the concentration of zinc, copper, lead, chromium, cadmium, and nickel in cow milk samples obtained from four different grazing areas   (kakuri, kudendan, malali, kawo) of Kaduna metropolis. The samples were digested by wet digestion technique .The trace element were determined using bulk scientific model VPG 210 model  Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).. The concentration of the determined heavy metal were The result revealed that Cr,  Ni and Cd were not detected in milk samples from Kawo, Malali  and Kudendan whereas lead (Pb) is detected in all samples and found to be above  the stipulated limits of recommended dietary allowance (NRC,1989) given as 0.02mg/day. Cu and Zn are essential elements needed by the body for proper metabolism and as such their deficiency or excess is very dangerous for human health. However, they were found in all samples and are within the recommended limits while Cd (2.13 – 3.15 mg/kg) in milk samples from Kakuri was found to be above such limit (0.5mg/day). Cow milk samples analyzed for heavy metals in this research work pose a threat of lead and cadmium toxicity due to their exposure to direct sources of air, water and plants in these grazing areas, thereby, resulting to a potential health risk to the consumers.

No abstract

This study is aimed at ascertaining the levels of pollution of borehole and well water of selected motor parks in Kaduna, Nigeria. Borehole and well water samples from Abuja junction, Sabo garage, Television garage, Shaba modern market park, Kawo garage, Mando park were collected and analyzed for lead, cobalt, nickel and cadmium using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique. Results showed varying concentrations based on location. The results obtained were compared with WHO/NSDWQ standards. Lead was found in excessive levels above the recommended safe limit in the range of 0.04-0.07 mg/l. Nickel and cobalt were within the recommended safe limit in the range of 0.01-0.02 mg/l and 0.002-0.05 mg/l. Cadmium was found in high concentration above safe limits in the range of 0.002-0.012 mg/l. High levels of metals might be associated to the mechanical activities, high vehicle exhaust, municipal waste and other anthropogenic activities within the busy motor parks. The results indicate that most of the samples are contaminated with abnormal levels of lead and cadmium capable of causing health hazards to consumers of the water; this suggests that water found in motor parks require further treatment before consumption.