Heavy metals can impact human health and continuous exposure to heavy metals in water can lead to a variety of health issues. Water from surface water bodies such as streams and rivers help to alleviate the problem of water scarcity especially in developing countries. In this study, the heavy metal content of stream water samples was analyzed. Four (4) heavy metals namely Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Manganese (Mn) were analyzed in the laboratory and the results obtained were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standard for potable water. The results revealed that none of the water samples analyzed met WHO standard for Cr in potable water while only 40% of the water samples analyzed conformed to WHO standard for Cd in potable water. Findings of this study revealed that Cr and Cd are heavy metals of concern in the study area. Periodic evaluation of the heavy metal content of surface water in the study area is necessary in order to monitor deterioration in the quality of the water and also to recommend adequate treatment for the water before human consumption.
Citation: Ochuko Mary Ojo (2022) Heavy Metal Concentration in Selected River Tributaries in an Urban Settlement in Akure, Nigeria, British Journal of Environmental Sciences, Vol.10, No.1, pp. 25-31
Keywords: Heavy Metals, Human Health, Treatment., rivers
