Impacts of human activities on trace metals of Qua Iboe River, Ikot Ekpene Stretch, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water, whether used for the purpose of drinking, irrigation, domestic purposes, has an important impact on health. Although pollution can occur naturally, it is the anthropogenic (man-induced) pollution that crates more problems. These activities include agriculture, fishing, sand mining, boating and a host of other activities carried out by man capable of polluting water bodies significantly (Akpan et al., 2024). The assessment of impacts of human activities on levels some trace metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu and As) in water samples from Qua Iboe River, Ikot Ekpene stretch, Akwa Ibom State, was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The levels of trace metals obtained across the sampling locations were significantly higher in location (Afaha Ikot Ebak) with tremendous human activities and lowest at location (Uwa) with least human activities. The trend of the levels of trace metals obtained across all the sampling locations in both seasons indicated Cu > Cr > Cd > Pb > As. The levels of the trace metals obtained across the sampling locations showed significant positive relationship with levels of human activities across the sampling locations. Although the levels of all the trace metals determined were within WHO (2011) permissible limits, they were significantly higher at locations with tremendous human activities. The results of this study indicated that the studied river could be sustained for use by the present and future generations through routine monitoring to prevent escalation in levels of these pollutants beyond tolerability limits given by regulatory bodies.