Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Levels in Surface Waters from Aba-lla, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Industrial effluents from when released into water bodies, could lead to changes in the physicochemical parameters of water. The physiochemical properties and heavy metal content in surface water from a river, a stream and two wells at the Aba-Ila community in Ibadan, Nigeria were evaluated using standard methods. The results for the physicochemical parameters show that pH values range between 7.1 and 7.6; Dissolved oxygen between 65.2 and 152.3%; Temperature between 26 and 29˚C. Salinity ranged between 0.15 and 0.27 ppt, Alkalinity between 0.56 and 1.28 mg/L, E.C between 301 and 538μS, Total Hardness between 5.32 and 14.50 mg/L and Turbidity between 0.10 and 0.60 NTU. All these parameters were below the WHO permissible limits. All heavy metal concentration in water samples were found to occur above the WHO permissible limits. Self-reported responses of the participants to the questionnaire seem to indicate pollution from cement quarrying site. The quality of surface water in the study area is compromised and polluted in significant proportions. A reduction in release of pollutants and fugitive dust from the factory would be ideal.