Heavy metals contamination of Anambra River

Abstract

The need for continuous monitoring of the influence of heavy metal rich waste on the quality of water from Anambra is necessary because the river plays major roles in the life of the people. Concentrations of some heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn and Hg) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer Cd and the results obtained were compared with permissible limits stipulated by some regulatory bodies (Standard Organization of Nigeria, European Union and World Health Organization standards). The results obtained indicated observable mean concentrations of 0.046, 0.032, 0.032, 0.151, 0.032, 0.053, 0.031, 0.032, 0.060 and 0.030 mg/L for Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, , Pb, Ni, Mn and Hg respectively. The measured concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn and Hg were comparable higher than WHO, SON and EU permissible limits. The concentration of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and As were lower than WHO maximum contamination levels. The pollution index of Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn and Hg were above threshold value of 1.0, indicating high level of contamination of water samples from Anambra River.