Distribution of strontium in the groundwaters of parts of central Plateau, North central Nigeria

Abstract

Although the WHO has no guidance for the 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 concen
tration and distribution of strontium in drinking water in parts of central Plateau State, 
Northcentral Nigeria. The 65 groundwater samples collected for this study showed no sig
nificant variation of strontium with regard to both rock types and drinking water sources. 
A significant correlation between strontium and the major cations indicates possible feld
spar weathering as mineral leaching strontium into the waters. The highest value of stron
t
ium in the area was 1.06 mg/l. About 94% of drinking water sources in the area have 
strontium concentration below the global strontium in the freshwater level of 0.5–1.5 
mg/l and 100% below the health-based screening level benchmark of 4 mg/l. It is clear 
that strontium in the 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 strontium in 
waters and foods. This has been confirmed by the 68% of water sources having calcium 
and strontium ratio of 100 and above.