Public Health Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution and Physicochemical Characteristics of River Water in Sayidna and Bolidna, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

A clean and safe water supply is crucial as it prevents morbidity and mortality among the populace of the communities we live. Therefore, in a bid to help actualize the SDG No. 6 (Water Safety for All), this study seeks to determine the heavy metal content and physicochemical characteristics of river water (RW) from selected locations in Sayidna and Bolidna (SAB), Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. The heavy metal content and physicochemical properties of the water samples, which were collected from three locations within SAB RW were analyzed using Atomic Absorption spectroscopy and standard methods respectively. While the mean concentration of Cadmium, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc was higher than the WHO standard, the concentration of Chromium was low. The level of Copper and Iron was found within the WHO limit. The physicochemical properties of the RW showed that pH, TH, Conductivity, TSS, Cl, Alkalinity and SO₄ fell below the WHO standard while those of DO, BOD and TDS were found above the set WHO limit. The high level of Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb in the RW could induce tissue damage leading to hepatotoxic/cardiovascular diseases. The high BOD, TDS and DO values are indicative of the presence of organic and inorganic pollutants respectively. The RW may not be completely ‘safe’ for domestic activities. Caution should be exercised, by the target populace, on the usage. The study may serve as baseline information with which future environmental impact assessment of anthropogenic activities could be progressively monitored in the study area.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17963517