Abstract

Although the World Health Organisation has no guidance for concentration of strontium in drinking water, consumption of strontium in drinking water and foods has received attention due to its adverse human- health effects. This study was carried out to determine the concentration and distribution of strontium in drinking water in parts of central Plateau State, Northcentra Nigeria. The sixty-five groundwater samples collected for this study showed no significant variation of strontium with regards to both rock types and drinking water sources. Significant correlation between strontium and the major cations indicates possible feldspar weathering as mineral leaching strontium into the waters. The highest value of strontium in the area was 1.06 mg/l. Ninety-four percent (94%) of drinking water sources in the area have strontium concentration below the global strontium in fresh water level of 0.5 – 1.5 mg/l and 100% below the health based screening level (HBSL) bench mark of 4mg/l. It is clear that strontium in waters of the study area is not adequate for bone development especially for children. No literature has however, reported bone related problems in the area indicating that calcium may be adequate in the waters to supplement for strontium in waters and foods. This has been confirmed by the 68% of water sources having calcium and strontium ratio of 100 and above.

Key words: Strontium, Groundwater, Central Plateau, North Central Nigeria.