Determination of some Heavy Metals Possibly Present in Drinking Stations Found in the Vicinity of a University in Manila, Philippines

Toxic heavy metals in air, soil and water are global problems that pose threat to the environment. Heavy metals are natural components of the Earth's crust. Harmful concentrations of many dissolved heavy metals are often found in groundwater destined for potable drinking water. These contaminations are both naturally occurring contaminations as well as industrially-introduced pollution. The student researchers conducted a descriptive-exploratory analysis of water coming from student-accessible drinking stations in the different colleges in a well-known university in Manila, Philippines. These water samples were acid digested and were qualitatively and quantitatively tested for the heavy metals possibly present. Qualitative testing of the sampled water yielded negative results. Quantitave testing of the sampled water for lead and cadmium, however, resulted to concentrations higher than the standard limit for drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It was shown in this study that water from these sources are not safe for drinking due to higher than normal levels of lead and cadmium. Both metals are known to be harmful toxicants that may adversely affect the students and other constituents of the aforementioned university.