Assessment of Heavy Metals and Physiochemical Parameters in Water Effluent of an Aluminum Company on the Environment in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The environmental impact of wastewater discharge is crucial for evaluating its potential impacts on soil quality, water resources, ecosystems, and human health. Wastewater contains various contaminants, including heavy metals, nutrients, organic pollutants, and pathogens, which can lead to soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and ecological imbalances if not properly managed. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure a comprehensive risk assessment. Key methodologies include physicochemical analysis and comparing results with the NESREA acceptable limits. Results of the contamination/pollution index showed that soils in the study area were very slightly contaminated with Chromium Cr, (<0.001) Lead (Pb), and Aluminium (Al). In contrast, wastewater discharge was slightly contaminated with copper (Cu 0.16mg/L) and nitrite (NO3 4.315mg/L) and a ph. of 10.8 was higher than the guideline given by NESREA. The contamination level in the study area can be described as being very slightly to slightly contaminated and hence, does not pose any serious environmental concern to plants, man, and the well-being of the environment as it stands presently. To safeguard the health of living organisms in the surface water, this study recommends further treatment of the wastewater before discharge for environmental sustainability. Proper remediation of the soils should be carried out before any cultivation of crops is done on this soil to avoid bioaccumulation of toxic elements.  and enlightenment should be carried out to inform the operators of this industry on the need to ensure effective treatment of the wastewater effluents.