Abstract:
carried out to ascertain the quality of drinking water, mainly by determination of trace metals
present due to their impact on human health. This study was carried out to evaluate the
concentration of some trace heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni) in some selected water source
samples from Bahir Dar city. An Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AA500GC, USA)
was used to determine the heavy metal concentrations. Fifteen (15) different water samples
were analysed for iron(Fe), nickel(Ni), zinc(Zn) and Manganese(Mn) contents in both dry
and wet season and their concentration levels compare with WHO specific maximum level
for drinking water. Iron was found to be between 0.167 and 1.44mg/L in dry, 0.204 and 0.676
during wet, Nickel ranges from 0.005 to 0.596mg/L and 0.202 to 0.941mg/L in dry and wet
respectively. The highest concentration of Zinc was 0.233 and 0.312mg/L in dry and wet
respectively; Manganese was ND (Not Determined) in each season. Most of the
concentration of the metals were considerably found to be above the limit permitted by
WHO’s drinking water guidelines (WHO,2010). This is an indication of pollution hazards of
analysed trace metals in drinking water sources of the study area which in turn have
important human health implications. Therefore, this study recommends the concerning body
and other responsible authorities to take appropriate corrective measures.