Sciknow Publications Ltd. JECR 2013, 1(2): 40-48 Journal of Environmental Conservation Research DOI:10.12966/jecr.08.05.2013 ©Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Profile of Surface Water, Anthropogenic Activities, and Community Health Implications Ezeonyejiaku, C D 1 and Obiakor, M O 2,* 1 Department of Zoology, Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. 2 GreenPlanet Integrated Resources Lagos, Nigeria. *Corresponding author (Email: maxiugobiks@yahoo.com) Abstract - Anambra River is the largest river in Anambra State. The river has suffered drastic changes from the pollution of its water for the past years. The physicochemical properties of the river were determined using standard methods for examination of water and wastewater. Consequently, the heavy metal content of the water was also investigated at four different sampling stations (Ukwuibili, Otu Nsugbe, Otuocha and Ezi Agulu Otu) for a considerable period in dry season (November and December, 2009 and January, 2010) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The utility rate and indiscriminate anthropogenic activ- ities the river was investigated in an opinion survey with well-structured questionnaire precoded on Likert scale attitude mea- surement. Physicochemical properties of the Anambra River were relatively stable but recorded variations at different stations over the sampled period. ANOVA test showed metal concentrations and sampled stations to differ significantly (P<0.05). Post Hoc LSD test showed Zn and Ukwuibili to differ significantly (P<0.05) from all other metals (Cu, Fe, K, Mn and Na) and stations, respectively. Opinion survey displayed the domestic use of the river and indiscriminate uses of agrochemicals at the river. The work further documented Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn to be higher (P<0.05) than WHO Effluent Standard and recommends tighter regulations to control inflow of nutrients and chemical contaminants in the river. Environmental education and awareness of the freshwater is also advocated for sustainability. Keywords - Anambra River, Dissolved Oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand, Temperature, Fertilizer, Copper, Zinc, Iron, Public Health 1. Introduction Surface water use has been of tremendous application across the globe for various purposes: domestic, industrial, agricul- tural etc. However, studies by different people in both de- veloping and developed countries of the world show that pollutants from various sources get to the surface water and pollute it (Obodo, 2004; Igwilo et al., 2006; Clark, 1992; Maiti et al., 2001; Oyewo, 1998; Don-Pedro,1996). Industrial activities worldwide are characterized by the production of a wide variety of end products that are useful to mankind; however all production pathways are accompanied by emission of waste products that enter the environment (Adetoro, 2004). Industrial wastes have been shown to be a complex admixture of several classes of pollutants such as synthetic chemicals of various types, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals (Otitoloju, 2003; Otitoloju, 2002). Among the pollu- tants, which find their way into the Anambra River, heavy metals are of high importance (Igwilo et al., 2006). These heavy metals are non-biodegradable and remain in the envi- ronment long after the elimination of source (Otitoloju, 2002). Although most of these metal pollutions are anthropogenic, there are a few examples of localized ones resulting from natural weathering of ore bodies (Hager & Abrahamsen, 1990), mining, and smelting (Walker et al., 2001). They are consi- dered priority pollutants because they easily bioaccumulate in the food chain (Chukwu, 1991). Heavy metals, although usually considered pollutants, are natural substances with the exceptions of radioisotopes produced in man-made nuclear reactions (Walker et al., 2001). Heavy metal contents of Anambra River have been earlier reported by Obodo (2004) and Igwilo et al. (2006) attributing the loading to various anthropogenic activities in and around the river. Heavy metals and other pollutants such as sewage, sawdust, hydrocarbons, and organic wastes, when introduced into water bodies, can bring about alteration of physical characteristics of such a water body and hence would affect species diversity (Oyewo, 1998; Akpata, 1987; Saliu & Ekpo, 2006) There have been a few investigations on the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals in the Anambra River. The authors have found measurable quantities of heavy metals,