Heavy Metal Pollution in the Marine Environment: A Study Contribution of Three Rivers to the Pollution at the Upper of the River Niger, Nigeria

Water is not only essential for life, but also it is life. Safeguarding this resource from heavy metals is good for our well-being. This research investigated heavy metals content and their potential health problems in some rivers across Anambra, Nigeria. The mean concentration of Zn was recorded as 0.03 mg/L which was lower than the limits set by the World Helth Organization (WHO) (3 mg/L), USEPA (5 mg/L), and EU (3 mg/L). Cu (0.003 mg/L) was also lower than limits set by the WHO (2 mg/L), USEPA (1.3 mg/L), and EU (2 mg/L). Fe (1.177 mg/L) was found higher than limits prescribed by the WHO (0.3 mg/L), USEPA (0.3 mg/L), and EU (0.2 mg/L). Cd (0.001 mg/L) was lower than limits set by the WHO (0.003 mg/L), USEPA (0.005 mg/L), and EU (0.005 mg/L). Pb (0.001 mg/L) was lower than limits set by the WHO (0.01 mg/L), USEPA (0.015 mg/L), and EU (0.01 mg/L). Lastly, As (0.01 mg/L) was equal to limits set by the WHO (0.01 mg/L), USEPA (0.01 mg/L), and EU (0.01 mg/L). The values for validation parameters are low indicating minimal variability and uncertainty in our measurements, signifying high precision in measuring instruments and the tested samples. The pH measurement of all the samples proved acidic. Based on the elevated values of iron (Fe) and arsenic (As) recorded in this study, regular monitoring and treatment of drinking water sources are essential to ensure compliance with regulatory limits and to provide iron and arsenic-free as well as the other metal-free drinking water to the public within the investigated location.