HYDROGEOCHEMISTRY AND ADSORPTION STUDY OF HEAVY METALS FROM JOS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v44i2.8Keywords:
contamination , heavy metals, treated water, Adsorbent, Polluted and WastewaterAbstract
The present research focuses on the hydrogeochemistry and adsorption study of heavy metals from the Jos wastewater treatment plant. Ten (10) samples were collected from the Nabor-Gwong Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jos and treated with rice husk ash as adsorbent. The study aimed to determine the levels of some heavy metals (Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr and Cu) in wastewater and their comparison with levels of heavy metals in the treated water after treatment with rice husk ash while the water quality index and pollution indices of wastewater and treated water were also compared. The levels of heavy metals in wastewater, treated water and rice husk ash were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The concentrations of heavy metals were subjected to ANOVA and Spearman's correlation analysis. The results indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals in wastewater such as Mg (0.202-0.427 mg/L), Mn (0.217-0.750 mg/L), Co (0.119-0.222 mg/L), Ni (0.117-1.099 mg/L), Cd (0.426-1.704 mg/L), Pb (0.067-1.566 mg/L), Cr (0.925-2.559 mg/L) and Cu (0.965-2.270 mg/L) were higher than WHO permissible limits for drinking water, background values and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Treated water shows that Mn, Cu and Pb except for samples I to III fall within WHO permissible limits, background values and NSDWQ while the concentrations of Ni, Cd and Cr exceed WHO permissible limits in the treated water. The heavy metals in the wastewater were reduced significantly after treatment and the average percentage reduction is in the order of Mn (93.00) > Mg (89.71) > Pb (88.46) > Cu (84.94) > Cr (82.60) > Co (75.21) > Ni (72.28) > Cd (67.86) which attest to adsorbent effects of rice husk ash. However, other treatment methods or pH modification of rice husk ash may be necessary for metals which exceed permissible limits in treated water.
References
[1] Odewumi, S. C., Ajegba, O. Q., Bulus, J. A., and Ogbe, I. “Assessment of heavy metal contami¬nations of soils from dumpsites in Jos Metrop¬olis, Plateau State, Nigeria”, FULAFIA Journal of Science and Technology, 6(2), 2020, 37–42. https://lafiascijournals.org.ng/index.ph p/fjst/article/view/182
[2] Odewumi, S. C., Onimisi, M. A., Adeoye, M. O., Changde, A. N., and Omoyajowo, B. T. ”Palaeoweathering, Provenance and hydrother-mal alteration characteristics of Nahuta clay, Jos-Plateau, northcentral Nigeria”,Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 6(2), 2024, 164–175. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v 6i2.6286
[3] Gupta, V. K., Gupta, M., and Sharma, S. “Process development for the removal of lead and chromium from aqueous solution using red mud: an aluminum industry waste”, Water Resource, 35 (5), 2001, 1125–1134. https://doi. org/10.1016/S0043-1354(00)00389-4
[4] Kadirvelu, K., Kavipriya, C., Karthika, M., Radhika, C. M., Vennilamani, N., and Pattabhi, S. “Utilization of various agricultural wastes for activated carbon preparation and application for the removal of dyes and metal ions from aqueous solution”, Bioresource Technology, 87 (1), 2003, 129-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0 960-8524(02)00201-8
[5] Odewumi, S. C., Yohanna, I. D., Bulus, J. A., and Ogbe, I. “Geochemical appraisals of elemental compositions of stream sediments and some vegetables at Village Hostel University of Jos”, Nigerian Annal of Pure and Applied Science. 3(3), 2020, 77–84. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46912/napas.150
[6] Odewumi, S. C., Aminu, A. A., Momoh, A., and Bulus, J. A. “Environmental impact of mining and pedogeochemistry of Agunjin area, southwest¬ern Nigeria”, International Journal of Earth Sci¬ences and Engineering, 8(2), 2015, 558–563. https://www.researchgate.net/publica tion/286469485_Environmental_impact_of_mining_and_pedogeochemistry_of_Agunjin_area_southwestern_Nigeria
[7] Nhapi, N B., Murenzi, R, Sekomo, C.B., and Wali, U.G. “Removal of Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewater Using Rice Husks”, The Open Environmental Engineering Journal, 4, 2011,170-180. https://benthamopen.com/conte nts/pdf/TOENVIEJ/TOENVIEJ-4-170.pdf
[8] Kadirvelu, K., Thamaraiselvi, K., and Namasivayam, C. “Removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewaters by adsorption onto activated carbon prepared from an agricultural solid waste”, Bioresource Technology, 76(1), 2001, 63-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-8524(00)00072-9
[9] Odewumi, S. C. “Mineralogy and geo-chemistry of geophagic clays from Share area, Northern Bida Sedimentary Basin, Nigeria”, Journal of Geology & Geosciences, 2(1), 108. 2013, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6755.1000108
[10] Hala, A. H. “Removal of heavy metals from wastewater using agricultural and industrial wastes as adsorbents”, Housing and Building National Research Center, 9(3),2013, 276-282 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hbrcj.2013.08.004
[11] Rao, B. H., Dalinaidu, A., and Singh, D. N. “Accelerated diffusion test on the intact rock mass”, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, ASTM, 35(2), 2007, 111-117. https://doi.org/ 10.1520/JTE100184
[12] Chen, C. C., and Chung, Y. C. “Arsenic removal using a biopolymer chitosan sorbent”, Journal Environmental Science and Health, 41 (4), 2006, 645-658. https://doi.org/10.1080/ 10934520600575044
[13] Aloko, D. F., and Afolabi, E. A. “Model Development of the adsorption of cations on Manganese dioxide (MnO2) used in a Leclanche dry cell”, Leonardo Journal of Sciences, 8, 2006, 13-20.
[14] Odewumi, S. C., Ojo, O. J., and Adekeye, J. I. D. “Geological settings, geochemical characteristics and signatures of Elebu, Okunrun and Okoloke marble deposits, southwestern Nigeria,” African Journal of Natural Sciences. 15, 2012, 27-38. https://scho lar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=-usMBzIAAAAJ&cstart=20&pagesize=80&citation_for_view=-usMBzIAAAAJ:SeFeTyx0c_ EC
[15] Ahmed, R., Yamin, T., Ansari, M. S., and Hassany, S. M. “Sorption behavior of Lead (II) ions from aqeous solution onto Haro River sand”, The Nucleus, 24(6), 2009, 475-486.
[16] Mandal, A., Mukhopadhyay, P. and Das, S. K. “The study of adsorption efficiency of rice husk ash for removal of phenol from wastewater with low initial phenol concentration,” Springer Nature Applied Sciences, 1, 2019, 192 | https:// doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-0203-3
[17] Naiya, T. K., Bhattacharya, A. K., and Das, S. K. “Adsorptive removal of Cd (II) ions from aqueous solutions by rice husk ash,” Environmental Programme and Sustainable Energy, 12, 2009, 535–546.
[18] Ahmaruzzaman, M., and Gupta, V. K. “Rice husk and its ash as low-cost adsorbents in water and wastewater treatment,” Industrial Engineering Chemical Resources, 50 (24), 2011, 13589–13613. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/ abs/10.1021/ie201477c
[19] Maingi, F. M., Mbuvi, H. M., Ng’ang’a M. M., and Mwangi, H. “Adsorption of cadmium ions on geopolymers derived from ordinary clay and rice husk ash”,International Journal of Materials and Chemistry, 8(1), 2018, 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.5923/j.ijmc.20180801.01
[20] Okafor, V. N., Omokpariola, D. O., Obumselu, O. F., and Eze, C. G. “Exposure risk to heavy metals through surface and groundwater used for drinking and household activities in IfiteOgwari, Southeastern, Nigeria”, Applied Water Science, 13, 2023, 105 https://doi.org/ 10.1007/ s13201-023-01908-3
[21] Odewumi, S. C. “Geological settings and geochemistry of younger granitic rocks from Kuba area, Ropp Complex, northcentral Nige¬ria”, FUPRE Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 4(2), 2020, 9-21. https://journal.fupre.edu.ng/index.php/fjsir/article/view/98
[22] Odewumi, S. C., and Olarewaju, V. O. “Petro¬genesis and geotectonic settings of the granitic rocks of Idofin-osi-eruku Area, Southwestern Nigeria using trace element and rare earth element geochemistry”, Journal of Geology & Geosciences, 2(1), 2013, 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/ 10.4172/2329-6755.1000109
[23] Mamudu, A., Akanbi, E. S., and Odewumi, S. C. “Hydrothermal Alteration and Mineral potential Zones of Bauchi area Northeastern Nigeria using Interpretation of Aeroradiometric Data,” Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 5 (1), 2025, 2193 https:// doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2024.2193
[24] Odewumi, S. C. “Mineralogy and heavy mineral recovery of stream sediments on the Jos Plateau, northcentral Nigeria: Implications for Mineralization”, Discover Geoscience 3 (20), 2025, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44288-025-00124-7
[25] Odewumi, S. C. “Mineralization, geochemical signatures and provenance of stream sediments in Jos Plateau, northcentral Nigeria,” Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 6 (4), 2024, 2181. https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.202 4.2181
[26] Odewumi, S. C. and Omoniwa, B. P. “Geogenic and anthropogenic sources of heavy metals contamination of soils from selected dumpsites in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria,” Nigerian Journal of Technology, 43 (3), 2024, 208-216. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v43i3.2
[27] Aendo, P., Netvichian, R., Thiendedsakul, P., Khaodhiar, S. and Tulayakul, P. “Carcinogenic Risk of Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr and Critical Ecological Risk of Cd and Cu in Soil and Groundwater around the Municipal Solid Waste Open Dump in Central Thailand,”Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022, 3062215. doi: 10.1155/ 2022/3062215
[28] Chatterjee, C., and Raziuddin, M. “Determination of water quality index (WQI) of a degraded river in Asansol industrial area (West Bengal)”, Natural Environmental Pollution Technology, 1(2), 2002, 181–189. https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Determination%20of%20Water%20Quality%20Index%20of%20a%20degraded%20river%20in%20Asansol%20industrial%20area&publication_year=2002&author=C.%20Chatterjee&author=M.%20Raziuddin
[29] Lele, K. C., Verla, A. W., Amaobi, C. E., Ajero, A. I., Enyoh, C. E., and Verla, E. N. “Health risks of consuming untreated borehole water from Uzoubi Umunna Orlu, Imo State Nigeria”, Journal of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry 5(4), 2018, 1-7. http://dx.doi.org/ 10.4172/2380-2391.1000250
[30] Vetrimurugan, E., Brindha, K., Elango, L., and Osman, M. N. “Human exposure risk to heavy metals through groundwater used for drinking in an intensively irrigated river delta”, Applied Water Science, 7, 2017, 3267-3280. https:// doi.org/10.1007/s13201-016-0472-6
[31] Sharma, P., Meher, P. K., Kumar, A., Gautam, Y. P., and Mishra, K. P., “Changes in water quality index of Ganges river at different locations in Allahabad,” Sustainability of Water Quality and Ecology, 3 and 4, 2014, 67-76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.swaqe.2014.10.002
[32] Shah, K. A., and Joshi, G. S. “Evaluation of water quality index for river Sabarmati, Gujarat, India,” Applied Water Science, 7 (3), 2015, 1349-1358. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s1 3201-015-0318-7
[33] Yi, X.U., Liang, X., Yingming, X.U., Xu, Q.I.N., Huang Q., Lin, W., and Yuebing, S. “Remediation of heavy metal-polluted agricultural soils using clay minerals: a review”, Pedosphere, 27 (2), 2017, 193-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1002-0160(17)60310-2
[34] WHO. “Guidelines for drinking-water quality: fourth edition incorporating the first addendum? World Health Organization” Geneva, 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /books/NBK579458/
[35] WHO. “Zinc in drinking-water? Background document for preparation of WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality”. WHO, Geneva, 2003. who/sde/wsh/07.08/55
[36] WHO. “Nickel in drinking-water? Background document for development of WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality”, WHO, Geneva, 2007. who/sde/wsh/07.08/55
[37] WHO. “Cadmium in drinking-water? Background document for preparation of WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality” WHO, Geneva, 2011. who/sde/wsh/03.04/80/Rev/1
[38] NSDWQ. “Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality”, Standards Organization of Nigeria, Abuja, 2007. https://washnigeria.com /wp-content/uploads/2022/10/publications-Nig erian-Standard-for-Drinking-WaterQuality.pdf
[39] Momoh, A., Rotji, E. P., Odewumi, S. C., Opuwari, M., Ojo, O. J., and Olorunyomi, A. “Preliminary investigation of trace ele-ments in acid mine drainage from Odagbo coal mine, North central, Nigeria”, Journal of Envi¬ronment and Earth Science, 7(11), 2017, 90–96. https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/J EES/article/view/39697
[40] Odewumi, S. C., Adekeye, J. I. D., and Ojo, O.J. “Trace and rare earth elements geochem¬istry of Kuba (Major porter) and Nahuta clays, Jos Plateau, northcentral Nigeria: Implications for Provenance”, Journal of Mining and Geolo¬gy, 51(1), 2015, 71–82. https://www.researchg ate.net/publication/385001543_Trace_and_rare_earth_elements_geochemistry_of_Kuba_Major_porter_and_Nahuta_clays_Jos_Plateau_northcentral_Nigeria_Implications_for_Provenance
[41] Al-Harahsheh, M. S., Al-Zboon, K., Al-Makhadmeh, L., Hararah, M., and Mahasneh, M. “Fly ash based geopolymer for heavy metal removal: a case study on copper removal,” Journal of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, 3(3), 2015, 1669-1677. https://do i.org/10.1016/j.jece.2015.06.005
[42] Luukkonen, T., Sarkkinen, M., Kemppainen, K., Rämö, J., and Lassi, U. “Metakaoling-eopolymer characterization and application for ammonium removal from model solutions and landfill leachate”, Applied Clay Science, 119 (2), 2016, 266-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.clay.2015.10.027
[43] Sithole, N. T. “Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater Using Fly Ash Modified Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag Geopolymers”, Journal of Environmental Science and Development, 13 (5), 2022, 170-175. http://dx.doi.org/10.18178/ ijesd.2022.13.5.1389
[44] Selvi, K., Pattabhi, S. and Kadirvelu, K. “Removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution by adsorption onto activated carbon”, Bioresource Technology, 80 (1), 2001, 87-89. https://doi. org/10.1016/S0960-8524(01)00068-2
[45] Omokpariola, D. O. “Experimental Modelling Studies on the removal of crystal violet, methylene blue and malachite green dyes using Theobroma cacao (Cocoa Pod Powder)”, Journal of Chemistry Letter 2(1), 2021, 9-24. https://doi.org/10.22034/jchemlett.2021.272842.1020
[46] EPA. Volume I: Human Health Evaluation Manual (Part a) Washington, DC, USA: EPA; 2004. Risk assessment guidance for superfund. https://www.epa.gov/risk/risk-assessment-guid ance-superfund-rags-part
[47] IARC. IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans: Volumes 1–125 . Bristol, UK: IOP Publishing Physics Web; 2012. https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans
[48] Nnaji, C. C., and Agim, A. “Effect of critical batch variables on the efficiency and kinetics of adsorption of Ni (Ii) onto carbonized and uncarbonized palm kernel chaff”, Nigerian Journal of Technology, 43(4), 2024, 795-806. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v43i4.20
[49] Ramakrishnaiah, C. R., Sadashivaiah, C., and Ranganna, G. “Assessment of water quality index for the groundwater in TumkurTaluk, Karnataka State, India’. European Journal of Chemistry, 6(2), 2009, 523-530. http://dx.doi.o rg/10.1155/2009/757424
[50] Kadam, A., Wagh, V., Jacobs, J., Patil, S., Pawar, N., Umrikar, B., Sankhua, R., and Kumar, S. “Integrated approach for the evaluation of groundwater quality through hydro geochemistry and human health risk from Shivganga river basin, Pune, Maharashtra, India”, Environmental Science Pollution Resources, 29 (2) 2022, 4311-4333. https://doi. org/10.1007/s11356-021-15554-2
[51] Wagh, V.M., Mukate, S.V., Panaskar, D.B., Muley, A.A., and Sahu, Y.L. “Study of groundwater hydrochemistry and drinking suitability through water quality index (WQI) modelling in Kadava river basin India”, Springer Nature Applied Science, 1:1251, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-126 8-8
[52] Rawlings, A., and Daudu, C. E. “Suitability investigation of surface water quality for agricultural irrigation in Ekosodin Community of Ovia-North East LGA, Benin City, Nigeria”, Nigerian Journal of Technology, 44(1), 2025, 162-172. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v44i1.18
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Nigerian Journal of Technology
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The contents of the articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and not of NIJOTECH.
NIJOTECH allows open access for distribution of the published articles in any media so long as whole (not part) of articles are distributed.
A copyright and statement of originality documents will need to be filled out clearly and signed prior to publication of an accepted article. The Copyright form can be downloaded from http://nijotech.com/downloads/COPYRIGHT%20FORM.pdf while the Statement of Originality is in http://nijotech.com/downloads/Statement%20of%20Originality.pdf
For articles that were developed from funded research, a clear acknowledgement of such support should be mentioned in the article with relevant references. Authors are expected to provide complete information on the sponsorship and intellectual property rights of the article together with all exceptions.
It is forbidden to publish the same research report in more than one journal.
How to Cite
