Assessment of Heavy Metals in Flowing Water at Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria Using Water Quality Index Approach

Human health and socioeconomic development depend on access to clean water. The ecosystem is threatened and the environment is harmed by water bodies in horrible conditions. Health problems affect the ecosystem (animals, people, and crop productivity) due to the increasing rate of water shortages brought on by inadequate management and a lack of government enforcement. This inspired the study to determine the quality of water used, including drinking for a healthy lifestyle. The Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State in Nigeria was the area of interest for the study test on the quality of the running water. Water samples were taken from ten different flowing water sources and examined with an ultraviolet-visible spectrometer. The analysis of the water quality parameters was compared with industry standards set by the World Health Organization and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. The quality of residential water supply was also assessed using a weighted arithmetic water quality index approach. The weighted arithmetic water quality index findings indicated that the water in the study area was not safe for consumption due to its high turbidity. This study found that water in Ijebu North is unsuitable for drinking due to high turbidity and contaminants like iron. Industrial waste and poor waste management are major contributors to contamination, posing serious health risks. Stronger regulations, water treatment, and monitoring programs are needed to protect water quality and public health.