Hazard Assessment and Resilience for Heavy Metals and Microbial Contaminated Drinking Water in Akungba Metropolis, Nigeria

Purpose: This research was to measure the physical, chemical, and microbial parameters of natural water in the Akungba – Akoko for health hazard assessment and resilience. Design/method/Approach: Twenty water samples collected in clean two-liter polythene bottles in the study area were analyzed using standard procedures. The pH meter was used to measure pH, TDS, temperature, and electrical conductivity; nitrate by titration, chromium, aluminum, lead, iron, copper, and arsenic by AAS. The microbial population was determined by inoculation of cultured agar. Findings: Results showed that pH ranged from 6.0–7.4, conductivity from 141µs/cm to 961 µs/cm, TDS from 112 to 961 mg/L, temperature from 25 to 25.6℃, nitrate from 1.0 to 20 mg/L, arsenic from 0.01 to 0.116 mg/L while values of copper, chromium, total iron and lead were 0.017 to 0.213 mg/L, 0.176 to 0.629 mg/L, 0.052 to 0.367 mg/L, 0.003 to 0.129 mg/L respectively. The coliform from 0 to 6cfu and Escherichia coli from 0 to 2cfu. Gibb’s plot revealed rock weathering as the major source of heavy metals, heavy metals values in the freshwater are above WHO drinking limits; coliform and Escherichia coli isolated is an indication of fecal contamination, cluster analyses showed that the water was contaminated, therefore water samples are not potable. Research limitations: Reverse – osmosis could not be used to remove contaminants due to financial constraints. Practical implication: Water would be harmful to people drinking it due to the toxicity of heavy metals and microbial contamination, therefore water has to be treated before use or discarded. Originality/Value: This paper is unique and is not a replication of any existing content.