Heavy Metal Analysis of Otamiri River in Imo State, South-Eastern Nigeria

Surface water is used for a variety of purposes like drinking, washing, bathing, recreation as well as numerous other varied industrial applications. The wholesomeness of these surface waters has become an issue of great concern. Water pollution is a burning issue all over the world. In recent years an increasing awareness has developed on the impact of human activities on the environment because our environment has witnessed a continuous and rapid deterioration which cause pollution in all its abiotic and biotic components. According to a World Health Organization report on guideline for drinking water [1], safe drinking-water, as defined by the Guidelines, does not represent any significant risk to health over a lifetime of consumption; including different sensitivities that may occur between life stages. For this reason, particular concern has become apparent regarding the adequacy of the quality of water resource; both surface and groundwater resources. The impact of human activities in the urban, municipal and populated area makes surface water bodies like streams, river, lagoons, etc, and ground water bodies to be susceptible to contamination from pollutants. Pollution of soil and water by heavy metal occurs due to industrial wastes, application of fertilizer, corrosion of sheeting, wires, pipes, and burning of coal and wood [2].