EVALUATION OF WATER LILY AS BIO-INDICATOR FOR HEAVY METAL POLLUTION IN OPEKI DAM, ERUWA

Abstract

There is a synergy between pollution of our environment by heavy metals and spread of diseases among human population. It is therefore imperative that any research geared towards the assessement of heavy metals presence in the environment will have a positive impact in promoting better healthy living among human beings. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the potentials water lily as bio-indicator for Lead, Cadmium, Zinc, Chromium and Copper in Opeki Dam, Eruwa, Oyo State, Nigeria. There were six treatments replicated three times.t The treatments were the three distance points each at the length and breadth of the dam and represented as location A, B and C. The replicates were the three plant samples taken along the lines of each treatment. Water lily plant samples were collected, on the water surface, at both length and breadth sides of the dam, between the distance of 0- 2m, 2-4m and 4-6m. Within each designated meter, three plant samples were collected at 60cm point apart at three different points. The results from this study revealed the presence of high amount of heavy metals in the water lily plant samples collected. High heavy metal was recorded as Pb 5.46 mg/Kg at location B, Cd 1.51 mg/Kg at location B, Zn 7.65 mg/Kg at location C, Cr 0.69 mg/Kg at location C, and Cu 4.74 mg/Kg at location A. The concentration of these heavy metals was above the WHO and USEAP standards. This indicates that water lily is a good bio-indicator of heavy metals in the polluted dam. High concentration of heavy metals in the water lily is a good indication to conclude that consumption of fish and drinking of water from this dam is harmful to human beings. Heavy metal remediation of the dam is strongly recommended for the safety of human beings making use of the water for both domestic and commercial purposes.