To cite this paper: Obiakor, M.O, Okonkwo J.C, Ezeonyejiaku C.D & Ezenwelu C.O. 2013. Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Distribution in Freshwater Column: Season- Location Interaction Effects and Public Health Risk. J. Life Sci. Biomed. 3(4):308-317. Journal homepage:http://jlsb.science-line.com/ 308 JLSB Journal of Life Science and Biomedicine J. Life Sci. Biomed. 3(4):308-317, 2013 © 2013, Scienceline Publication ISSN 2251-9939 Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Distribution in Freshwater Column: Season- Location Interaction Effects and Public Health Risk M.O. Obiakor, 1 *, J.C. Okonkwo 2 , C.D. Ezeonyejiaku 3 and C.O. Ezenwelu 4 1 GreenPlanet Integrated Resources, Lagos, Nigeria 2 Department of Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria 3 Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria 4 Department of Applied Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria *Corresponding author’s e-mail: maxiugobiks@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Water samples from the Anambra River were taken from five distinct locations that displayed differential environmental stress to evaluate freshwater pollution. The physico-chemical characteristics of the river were conducted. The distribution and occurrence of heavy metals, which may affect human health and possibly induce aquatic damage, were investigated in the water column, adopting standard ecological and chemical techniques. The experimental approach was conducted under 2x5 factorial in a completely randomized block design using equal replicates to test the effects of season (rainy and dry) and location on the pollution parametric measurements, together with their interactions on heavy metal concentrations. Public survey on the use and treatment of water from the ecologically stressed river was investigated with questionnaire. Variations occurred between physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations of water samples from different locations in both rainy and dry seasons. Season by location interaction affected the heavy metal concentrations adversely, especially with regard to zinc. Likert scaling procedure further showed significant use and non-treatment of water from the river, posing a potential health threat to the dependent human population. Being obvious from the results that freshwater pollution could also be traceable to effluent/municipal wastewater discharged from industries and homes, there is need to respond appropriately to sustain the aquatic resources and avert possible human disease tragedies. In addition, Ackerman’s principles of water management for people and environment should be followed. Keywords: Anambra River, Zinc, Copper, Domestic Use, Water Treatment, Community Health INTRODUCTION Rivers are highly prone to material loadings that can result in pollution. Biodiversity-rich freshwater ecosystems are currently declining faster than marine or land ecosystems making them the world's most vulnerable habitats [1]; their sustainability being threatened by anthropocentrism [2-5]. Anthropogenic activities such as industrial, agricultural, domestic activities and urbanization processes give rise to pollutants, which are introduced into the surface waters through point and non-point sources and mechanisms [5] and much of the world still do not have access to clean, safe water [6,7]. Industrial effluents and domestic wastes have since been recognized as one of the most important sources of heavy metal and other pollutants in the Anambra River as well as similar water bodies all over the world [8- 10]. Sewage sludge have been reported to contain considerable amounts of heavy metals [11] and therefore, considering the high volume of discharge of sewage materials in the freshwater of Anambra River placed at 18 years now, the contribution of these pollutants is very likely to be quite significant and urgently needs to be