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Spectrophotometric Determination of Phosphate Concentration in Tap Water Samples of University of Nigeria, Nsukka Community Using Molybdenum Blue Method 1,2*Kelechi Martins Nworie, 2Cynthia Mbaoji, 2Solomon Ngwu, 2Ernest Eze, 2Timothy Ugwuanyi, 2Chukwuemeka Ejike, 2Desmond Odoh, 2Thelma Chukwuobasi, 2Chioma Anozie, 2Genevieve Ozoh, 2Sadiq Abdullahi, and 2Chukwunonso Okafor 1Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. 2International Society of Pharmaceutical Outcome Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Student Chapter, Nigeria. *Corresponding Author’s: E-mail Address ✉: nworiekelechimartins@gmail.com Accepted March 28, 2019 Phosphate dosing of water supplies in public water system, coupled with leakage from the distribution networks represents a significant input of phosphorus to the environment. This gradual pile up of phosphate levels could directly or indirectly impact some negative environmental challenges including reduced aesthetic and recreational value of lakes, river and stream and also the seasonal depletion of the dissolved oxygen content in water bodies, thus leading to disruption of the ecosystem. The phosphate concentration in tap water samples collected from various sites in University of Nigeria, Nsukka Community was analyzed by molybdenum blue method using a simple analytical and UV-visible spectrophotometric method. The phosphate level in the water samples was measured at 840 nm. The calibration curve was developed using concentrations of 0.5-2.5 mg/L and the phosphate concentrations were obtained by calculating with the linear equation, y = 0.172x - 0.149, R² = 0.990. The water samples analyzed from all sampling sites showed high level of phosphates above the World Health Organization level (0.03 mg/L) with a mean concentration of 1.860 ± 0.194. Based on the findings of the study, tap water samples from various sites of University of Nigeria, Nsukka Community showed high levels of phosphates which could be due to some natural and human factors. Key words: Tap water, phosphate, molybdenum blue, UV-visible, spectrophotometer. Full Text PDF(289 KB) |
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