Assessment of Heavy Metals and the Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in Rural Communities Located along River Ase in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the impact of heavy metals on the quality of water from River Ase and the prevalence of water borne diseases in rural communities located along the course of the river. It is an empirical research study of 6 communities located along the course of the river. Water samples were collected from the river and laboratory analysis carried out in line with WHO (2010) and NIS (2007) permissible standard for drinking water quality. From the analysis of the water samples, it was discovered that parameters such as calcium, sodium, potassium, lead and zinc were within the WHO (2010) and NIS (2007) threshold for drinking water quality. While magnesium and iron were above the recommended threshold for drinking water quality by the WHO (2010) and NIS (2007). The study also discovered that the prevalence of water borne diseases is influenced by the surface water quality at R² = 0.510 (P> 0.05). The paper recommends the boiling of the water to eliminate the excess iron and magnesium found in it.

Keywords: assessment, heavy metals, prevalence, water borne diseases, rural, communities, R. Ase.