Comparative Study of Toxic Metal Contamination in Water Bodies of Edo State, Benin City: Identifying the Most Polluted Zones and Associated Risks.

• Author(s): Ochu Abdulmajeed ; Okene Doutimie Tebekaemi ; Watson Idigieneni ; Ama Egeonu ; Achugwo Chimezie Nathaniel
• Paper ID: 1707699
• Page: 380-385
• Published Date: 11-04-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 10 April-2025

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in water bodies presents significant environmental and public health risks. This study evaluates the levels of heavy metals in various water sources across Edo State, Benin City Nigeria, including industrial effluents, rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater. The highest contamination was recorded in industrial effluents from the Seven-Up Bottling Company, where iron (Fe) reached 6.68 mg/L, nickel (Ni) 6.65 mg/L, zinc (Zn) 5.65 mg/L, and chromium (Cr) 4.53 mg/L, all exceeding permissible limits. Ikpoba River showed lead (Pb) at 0.09 mg/L, surpassing the WHO standard of 0.01 mg/L, posing a health hazard for communities. The Ikpoba Reservoir had an alarming zinc (Zn) concentration of 116.59 mg/L, far exceeding safe levels. Osse River exhibited chromium (Cr) at 0.11 mg/L and nickel (Ni) at 0.08 mg/L, both above WHO limits. Groundwater near Ikhueniro and Otofure dumpsites contained lead (Pb) at 0.12 mg/L, cadmium (Cd) at 0.04 mg/L, and iron (Fe) at 3.80 mg/L, raising concerns for residents who rely on these sources. These findings highlight industrial effluents and waste disposal sites as primary contributors to heavy metal pollution, necessitating urgent regulatory interventions, improved wastewater treatment, and sustainable waste management practices.

Keywords

Heavy Metal Pollution, Industrial Effluents, Water Contamination, Public Health Risks, Environmental Management

Citations

IRE Journals:
Ochu Abdulmajeed , Okene Doutimie Tebekaemi , Watson Idigieneni , Ama Egeonu , Achugwo Chimezie Nathaniel "Comparative Study of Toxic Metal Contamination in Water Bodies of Edo State, Benin City: Identifying the Most Polluted Zones and Associated Risks." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 10 2025 Page 380-385

IEEE:
Ochu Abdulmajeed , Okene Doutimie Tebekaemi , Watson Idigieneni , Ama Egeonu , Achugwo Chimezie Nathaniel "Comparative Study of Toxic Metal Contamination in Water Bodies of Edo State, Benin City: Identifying the Most Polluted Zones and Associated Risks." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(10)