Heavy Metals (HMs) Concentration in Two Sections of Ogun River, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Water is essential for the survival of all living beings, yet this precious resource faces growing threats due to the expanding human population and rising developmental activities. The study aimed to assess the heavy metals (HMs) Concentration in Two Sections of the Ogun River in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected in triplicate from the two sections, then all water parameters were carried out using standard laboratory procedures. The findings indicated that both pH and temperature were elevated in the Alagada section, while electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were higher in the Lafenwa section of the Ogun River. Moreover, the concentrations of cadmium, copper, iron, zinc, and chromium were greater in the Alagada section, whereas manganese, nickel, and lead levels were elevated in the Lafenwa section of the river. Additionally, the concentrations of cadmium, iron, chromium, manganese, nickel, and lead in both sections, along with copper in the Alagada section, exceeded the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). A moderately positive correlation was also identified between copper and nickel, as well as manganese and iron, suggesting that the HMs arise from a combination of natural and human-induced sources.