Assessment of Levels of Selected Heavy Metals and Their Removal in Water Using Biochar Adsorption along Ggaba Market

Lasuba Joseph Chaplain, and Ampaire Wycliffe

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Water contamination by heavy metals is a growing environmental concern, particularly in urban markets such as Ggaba Market in Uganda, where human activities contribute to pollution. This study aims to assess the concentration of selected heavy metals; lead (Pb), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in water from Ggaba Market and evaluate the effectiveness of bone char as an adsorbent for their removal. Water samples were collected from two different locations, analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and subjected to biochar treatment. The results indicated high concentrations of heavy metals in untreated water samples, with iron, lead, and cadmium exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits. Biochar treatment significantly reduced the levels of heaviest metals, particularly lead, iron, and cadmium, achieving near-complete removal. However, nickel and mercury were less effectively removed, indicating the need for optimization or complementary treatment methods. These findings highlight the severity of heavy metal contamination in Ggaba Market and underscore the potential of biochar as a cost-effective and eco-friendly water purification technique. The study recommends the adoption of biochar in water treatment systems, further research into its optimization for mercury and nickel removal, and increased public awareness of water pollution risks.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Biochar treatment, Environmental pollution, Water pollution, Public health, Water quality

CITE AS: Lasuba Joseph Chaplain, and Ampaire Wycliffe (2025). Assessment of Levels of Selected Heavy Metals and Their Removal in Water Using Biochar Adsorption along Ggaba Market. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science 5(3):1-11. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJBAS/2025/5311000