Comparative Analysis of Some Trace Metals in Municipal and Spring Water from Makerere University and Selected Springs in Bunga, Uganda

Aims: Access to clean and safe water is a challenge globally. This study assessed the levels of three trace metals (iron, copper and chromium) and chlorine in water samples from municipal water supply points in Makerere University and springs from Bunga, Uganda.

Study Design: This research employed a quantitative analytical method.

Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from five different sites of Makerere University halls and Bunga springs, Kampala. This study was undertaken between May 2021 and October 2021.

Methodology: Trace metal content and free chlorine of the water samples were determined and calibrated using multiparameter Palintest 7100 photometer.

Results: Analytical results indicated that the average iron, copper and chromium and chlorine content of the tap water samples from the municipal supply system were 0.0125 ± 0.00433 mg/L, 0.155 ± 0.0384 mg/L, 0.0325 ± 0.01479 mg/L and 3.045 ± 0.180623 mg/L, respectively. The corresponding mean values for water samples from Bunga springs were 0.0080 ± 0.0109 mg/L, 0.0124 ± 0.2019 mg/L, 0.056 ± 0.02073 mg/L and 0.00 ± 0.00 mg/L, respectively. These average values were within the maximum permissible limits of 0.3 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L for iron, copper and chromium in drinking water as recommended by the World Health Organization. However, springs A and B had chromium concentrations above the recommended value of 0.05 mg/L.

Conclusion: Trace metal and chlorine content of the sampled water were within compliance limits except for chromium which exceeded at springs A and B in Bunga, Kampala.