POTENTIAL THREATS OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN WATER RESOURCE AROUND FOUR MAJOR QUARRY SITES IN ABAKALIKI AND ITS ENVIRONS

Abstract

Quarrying a general name for all forms of solid mineral extraction from their resident rocks provides mankind with wealth that sustained the growth of civilization and higher standard of living. The immense gain of quarrying activities notwithstanding, the environmental impacts are quite enormous. There has been an increased concern as to the safety of water resources, following reported cases of the occurrence of heavy metals in water bodies especially around the quarry sites which by nature are injurious to human health. This paper in response to this, examined the occurrence of heavy metals in water resources (i.e stream, ponds, lakes, and river) in and around four quarry sites in Abakaliki capital territory and its environs. The study was carried out in four major quarrying sites in the four local government areas that make up Abakaliki capital territory and its environs. Water samples were obtained and analyzed using Atomic Absorption spectrometer. The result showed there were heavy concentrations of iron, cadmium, lead and zinc in all the sample sites than the maximum permissible limits of Nigerian industrial standard (NIS) and WHO standards. While copper and arsenic were high in some and low in some than the permissible limit of NIS and WHO standards in some sample sites. The implication of the result on the management and use of water resources in the study area were identified and discussed. Recommendations were made as to how to mitigate discussed. Recommendations were made as to how to mitigate the effects of the high concentrations of the heavy metals.