GROUND AND SURFACE WATER INVESTIGATION TO ASSESS THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN PARTS OF BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT

Ground and surface water investigation was carried at Ikhueniro and its environs in Benin City of Edo State, to know the level of geochemical contamination. Five (5) groundwater samples were collected within and away from the dumpsite, while one (1) river water sample from Okhuahe River was also collected during the field exercise. Exchangeable ions such as (Na⁺, K⁺) were found to be within the permissible limit, while the result of analysis for heavy metals concentration such as (Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺) revealed their significant presence in very high amount. The heavy metal presence in the water samples generally, exceeded the permissible limit set by WHO and SON. It is generalized that the groundwater be properly monitored at intervals as the risk of heavy pollution which can lead to adverse health effect, is imminent.