Assessment of Water use Trends, Usage Frequency, and Heavy Metals Contamination in Elemi and Ogbese Rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
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Abstract
Heavy metal levels in Elemi and Ogbese Rivers surpass WHO standards, endangering community health. Limited awareness, linked to education gaps, increases exposure risks. Urgent action is needed to improve water safety and public health awareness. Hence, this study investigated water usage trends and heavy metal contamination in Elemi and Ogbese Rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Data on demographic characteristics were collected through a guided questionnaire administered to 150 adults each, aged 18-55, from the two communities. Metals (Hg, Cr, Pb, Zn, Co, Cd) analyses in the water samples were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy AAS. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 29 with significance at p<0.05. The study revealed significant differences in educational levels and employment status between the two communities, with Elemi having higher frequencies than Ogbese in both parameters. The frequency of water usage showed that Ogbese consumed a higher daily water intake (12%) than Elemi (6%), a marker for a potentially increased susceptibility to contaminant contact through frequent water use. Education and occupation significantly influenced water usage in both rivers, while gender significantly influenced water usage in the Ogbese River only. There was higher awareness of heavy metal pollution in Elemi (36.0%) compared to Ogbese (10.0%). However, awareness of heavy metal pollution and effluent discharge is significantly correlated to education. Mean metal
concentrations in Ogbese River and Elemi River were higher than the WHO recommended values, indicating a possible health hazard for communities that rely on these rivers. Low community awareness of heavy metal contamination poses significant public health risks, as
river concentrations exceed WHO standards. Educational disparities affect awareness and water usage behaviours, emphasising the need for targeted interventions. Regulatory measures are necessary to control effluent discharge into rivers, Ongoing environmental monitoring
is crucial for sustained protection. Community engagement remains key to safeguarding public health and ecosystems
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