Abstract
Contamination by heavy metals in river water is a global problem especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Ten heavy metals were investigated in River Ona located in Ibadan, a state capital in Nigeria. The river which stretches over more than 30km length drains through different land uses in the city. Laboratory analysis conducted on ten water samples collected at 1km equidistance position reveals that concentration levels of six (Lead, Cobalt, Copper, Zinc, Manganese and Iron) out of the ten heavy metal investigated in the study conform to the World Health Organization (2011) recommendation for human consumption while the remaining for elements (Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel and Arsenic) were above the WHO (2011) recommended levels. The mere presence of heavy metals in concentration near those limits considered safe for human consumption should be a matter of concern especially for residents who use the river water for domestic activities and those who consume fish from the river. A number of recommendations were subsequently put forward as a way of quality management of the river water. KEYWORDS: Heavy Metals, Contamination, Pollution, Urbanization, Environment
Highlights
Water is one of the most important resources without which no existence is possible
High level of heavy metal pollution to a large extent affects the quality of the river as well as the biota present in and around the water body. i
Public Awareness Forums should be created by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and Ministry of Water Resources to educate the populace about the increased degradation of River systems especially amongst people who live in the riparian environment of the river and the effects it could have on their health, ii. people should be discouraged from using water collected directly from the river for domestic activities
Summary
Water is one of the most important resources without which no existence is possible. Though the hydrosphere is estimated to contain about 1.36 billion Km3of fresh water, 99.9 percent of this is locked up in seas and oceans with only 0.3 percent available for the use of man through sources such as rivers, streams, springs, groundwater and aquifers (Wilson, 1978). Heavy metals linked most often to human poisoning are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) Others such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) are Assessment of Heavy Metal in Urbanized Tropical River in Ibadan, Nigeria required by the body in small amounts, but can be toxic in higher amount (Biney, et al, 1991). While the resultant effects of polluted water on public health and environment are enormous, pollution of rivers by heavy metals are especially dangerous on aquatic organisms and man. Their presence in water causes imbalance in the ecological distribution of both fauna and flora organisms. River Ona serves as a dependable source of water for agricultural, industrial and domestic uses in the city
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