Title: Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Properties of Igwi-Stream in Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria
Abstract: Igwi stream is the major source of water supply to more than fifteen thousand members of Abia State University community.The Physicochemical and heavy metal content of Igwi-stream were studied on 2000ml of the water sample.The objective is to establish preliminary data on the stream with a view determine if the quality of the water meets standard for drinking and domestic uses.The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed that pH of the stream water sample was 5.0 which indicated some level of acidity in the stream which deviated slightly from the recommended standard of (6.5) WHO (2010).The pH of 5.8 was observed in the downstream which was very close to the recommended level of 6.5 by NAFDAC, USEPA and WHO.Total hardness (8mg/L), total alkalinity (0.4mg/L), sulphate (12.85mg/L), chloride (82mg/L), total solid (0.006mg/L) and total dissolved solids (0.003mg/L).The parameters obtained were below the recommended standard of World Health Organization (WHO).The results obtained from the sample show the heavy metal contents as follows; lead (0.002mg/L), zinc (0.011mg/L), copper (0.013mg/L), iron (0.011mg/L), cadmium (0.00mg/L), and chromium (0.011mg/L), these heavy metals content were found to be within the recommended level of acceptance for WHO (2004) except zinc.Cadmium was not found in the downstream and upstream samples.