Concentration and Environmental Implication of Heavy Metals in Surface Water in Aguobiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Geochemical analysis for Fe, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Mn²⁺ and V²⁺ has been carried out on water samples collected from various location points in Aguobiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The analyses were done to determine the environmental status and suitability of the water in the area for drinking and domestic uses. Fifteen (15) water samples were collected from rivers, pond and boreholes located across the Aguobiri Community and analysed for heavy metals, bacteriological and physico-chemical parameters. The analytical results indicate the following ranges of concentrations for the heavy metals; Fe (0.01 – 0.68mg/l) Cu²⁺ (0.001 – 0.62mg/l) Pb²⁺ (<0.001 – 0.48mg/l) Ni²⁺ (0.001 – 0.06mg/l) Cr⁶⁺ (0.002 – 0.042mg/l), Mn²⁺ (0.001 – 0.176mg/l) and V²⁺ (0.002 – 0.07mg/l) When compared with standards recommended by the various regulatory bodies most of the values, particularly the river samples are above the permissible limits. Consequently most of the water in the Aguobiri Community of Bayelsa State are considered not potable. Hence there is a need for holistic and sustainable monitoring and treatment of water before drinking in the area.