Determination and assessment of heavy metal content in a channelized stream in Jinja

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the levels of metal pollution in the stream wastewater. However, increased anthropogenic activities has increased the potential pollution of the stream especially the heavy metal pollutants which may be toxic to human and aquatic fauna. Runoffs, municipal effluents, industrial waste disposals/discharges or effluents discharged into the stream pose a serious threat to our environment and human health. In view of this, the levels/concentration of some heavy metals, were determined as; Zn in sample 1 (1.10 mg/l); sample 2 (0.92mg/l), sample 3 (0.89mg/l); Cu in sample 1 (0.23 mg/l); sample 2 (0.11 mg/l), sample 3 (0.11 mg/l); with lead and cadmium, their detection was less than 0.001 mg/l. These concentrations were determined in the surface water samples collected along the stream. The levels/concentrations of the heavy metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The results obtained show that the values of all heavy metals in the water samples from the stream were significant.

Although, the heavy metal pollution was within the maximum permissible limits, they are toxic even at low concentration. Therefore, special attention should be drawn to mitigate pollution from the stream ass their effects may become significant over a given period of time. There is need therefore for continuous monitoring of the pollution levels in the stream to record any alteration in the quality and mitigate outbreak to health disorders and the detrimental impacts on the aquatic ecosystem.