Heavy metals pollution profiles in streams serving the Owabi reservoir
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Date
2008
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Academic Journals
Abstract
Water samples from five sampling points on four rivers, Owabi, Akyeampomene, Pumpunase and
Sukobri, representing the main streams serving the Owabi reservoir were analysed for some pollution
indicators using standard methods. Heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cu, Pb and As) concentrations and some
physical parameters of the water samples were determined. Electrical conductivity and pH of waters
from all the streams were found to be within the acceptable limits of the World Health Organization
(WHO). All the streams showed high turbidity values above WHO limits. Of the heavy metals determined
in the water samples, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentrations in all the streams were within the acceptable
WHO limits, whiles Pb and As appeared to be higher than the acceptable limits in all the streams. The
highest concentrations of most of the heavy metals were recorded at the Kronum site on Owabi stream.
There was a statistically significant positive correlation between pH and some metals at all the sample
points (p = 0.05). The results showed that all the streams were polluted and must be treated before
consumption. It was also recommended that, human activities within the catchments should be
monitored closely to minimise their polluting impacts on the water quality.
Description
An article published by Academic Journals
Keywords
Heavy metals,, Owabi,, pollution,, water quality,, WHO.
Citation
African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Vol. 2 (11). pp. 354-359, November, 2008