Analyses of heavy metals in the superfical water of lakes

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution presents a serious problem for human health and ecosystems. During this survey we were collected a total number of 16 surface water samples. The analyses of four heavy metals, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper and Lead, were performed at the Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics, University of Tirana, using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The current study reports the presence of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb in selected samples. Their concentrations are resulted to be quite low. Average concentrations of metals in the surface water samples were: Pb-2.14μg/L; Cd-0.04 μg/L; Cr-9.44 μg/L; Cu-3.28 μg/L. The concentration of heavy metals in surface water samples is compared with maximum contaminant levels recommended by World Health Organization and Environmental Protection Agency. From the results obtained, none of the analyzed samples contained heavy metals concentrations above the MCL determined from EPA. One of all surface water samples contained the chromium element 6.8% higher than the MCL determined from WHO.