Physicochemical properties and heavy metal content of selected water sources in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State- Nigeria

The physicochemical properties and heavy metal content of selected water sources within two kilometers from a quarry site in Ishiagu was investigated using standard methods. Biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids and nitrate were above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits for drinking water at the quarry site and one kilometer from the quarry site. Total hardness, chloride and fluoride were above the WHO permissible limits at the quarry site. A higher concentration above WHO specification, were also observed in phosphate and conductivity in all the samples. The metals (Aluminum, Cadmium, Iron, Zinc, Lead, Calcium and Magnesium) occurred above WHO permissible limits for drinking water in all the samples but, lead was not detected in the sample collected two kilometers away from the quarry site. Sodium, potassium, manganese and copper were above the WHO permissible limits in samples collected from the quarry site. These results indicate that the water sources were contaminated and unfit for human consumption. Communities within the area require alternative sources of potable water for drinking and domestic purposes.