ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN NKOHO RIVER RECEIVING PAINT EFFLUENT, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the potential impact of industrial effluents from Saclux Paint Industryon the recipient
waterquality of Nkoho River in Abia state. Samples were taken at the effluent discharged point, upstream and
downstream of the discharge point. The sample collection points were geo-referenced using Global Positioning
system (GPS). Results of heavy metal concentration such as Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd),
Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Copper (Cu) at different points in water and in the effluent were
estimated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The heavy metal content in the samples varied
significantly (p<0.05) between the sampling points. Concentrations of the heavy metals fluctuated during the study
period but were constantly higher than the permissible limits by Federal Ministry of Environment and World Health
Organisation. These few cases of failure among many could be attributed to possible improper treatment of the
effluent prior to discharge into the environment. In conclusion, it was observed that the poor quality of the water
occasioned by the further deterioration by the entrance of the paint effluents which confer potentials of health
hazards to users of the water.