Impact of some beverage industries on the physicochemical characteristics of Ajali River in Enugu, Nigeria.

Ajali River near some beverage industries was assessed. Eleven physicochemical parameters and six heavy metals (copper, zinc, iron, cadmium, chromium, and lead) were analyzed on water and sediment collected from different locations near three beverage industries. Standard methods were used to determine the physicochemical parameters while heavy metals were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risk assessment of the water samples were estimated by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ), total hazard index (THI), and the probability cancer risk (PCR) of the heavy metals. Results showed that the concentrations of some heavy metal and physicochemical properties were slightly impaired compared to permissible standards. However, cadmium in water (0.56-11.34 mg/L) and sediments (2.81-481.40 mg/kg) samples were above the recommended limit, indicating possible cadmium pollution in the study area. The water quality index values showed that some of the sampled locations had poor (53.43-134.90%) water quality. The risk assessment of the water samples revealed that HQ for Cu, Zn, Fe, and Cr were of no probable risk (HQ < 1) while Cd (HQ = 173-438) were of probable risk. THI of the water samples showed probable risk (THI > 1) resulting from the high percentage contribution of Cd (94.13 to 99.95%). The probability carcinogenic risk assessment for adults (Cd-7.14 × 10, Cr-1.43 × 10) and children (Cd-1.66 × 10 and Cr-3.34 × 10) were significantly harmful. Even though the presence of these industries could encourage more economic activities in the area, there is need for the relevant agencies to enforce effective treatment and proper management of wastes especially cadmium, to safeguard this water source for the rural dwellers.