Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Levels Of Surface Water And Sub-Soil In Dumpsite, Around Idogbo Community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

The objective of this paper is to assess the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals levels of surface water and sub-soil in dumpsite, around Idogbo Community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results showed that the levels of heavy metals were lowest at the control site for both soil and water samples. The pH level for SW9 exceeded both the lower and upper limits, while the control site was a little above the WHO acceptable pH limit. Additionally, heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher in the topsoil compared to the subsoil for Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Cu, and Pb. In water samples, heavy metal levels varied across sampling locations, showing no consistent proportionality to the distance from the control point source. Nevertheless, the elevated concentrations of heavy metals in these sites raise concerns, emphasizing the need for effective mitigation measures to prevent unintended health consequences for the ecosystem.