Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metals in Groundwater and Streams at Essene, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to evaluate some physicochemical properties and Heavy Metals in groundwater and streams at Essene, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria  using appropriate standard techniques. The physicochemical analysis showed that the average chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen levels in groundwater were 1.48±0.39 mg/l, 1.364±0.21 mg/l, and 4.26±0.22 mg/l, respectively. For streams, these values were 1.12±0.44 mg/l, 1.46±0.36 mg/l, and 6.04±0.43 mg/l, respectively. Although these parameters were within WHO recommended limits, though they did not meet the WHO standards for drinking water. The heavy metal analysis revealed higher concentrations in stream water (Fe: 0.721 mg/l; Cu: 0.42 mg/l; Pb: 0.0146 mg/l; Cd: 0.22 mg/l) compared to groundwater (Fe: 0.451 mg/l; Cu: 0.12 mg/l; Pb: 0.004 mg/l; Cd: 0.155 mg/l). Iron (Fe) levels exceeded WHO limits in both groundwater and stream water. However, a paired sample t-test indicated no significant difference (P<0.05) between the heavy metal concentrations in groundwater and streams. The study highlighted the elevated levels of certain heavy metals (Fe and Cd), emphasizing the need for regular monitoring to mitigate the impact of human activities on water quality in the Essene community.