Comparative Assessment of Seasonal Variations in the Quality of Surface Water and Its Associated Health Hazards in Gold Mining Areas of Osun State, South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Industrial and urban development are contributing to an increase in global environmental degradation. Therefore, the release of heavy metals from mining-related operations into surface water is harmful to human health. But as anthropogenic influences on the environment grow, surface water characteristics are also alter, impacting aquatic creatures. In order to analyze the acceptability of the surface water in the gold mining area for drinking and irrigation uses, different quality water assessment methodologies were incorporated in this research. In light of this, the purpose of the current study is to comprehend how the hydrogeochemistry and appropriateness of surface water for drinking and irrigation vary every month. The study employed standardized analytical techniques. According to APHA recommendations, all sampling, conservation, transportation, and analysis were completed (2012). All collected samples were transported to the study lab while being kept in an icebox to prevent the degradation of the organic components. As a result, the study is focused on the contamination level in the surface water for a year. Overall, the study highlights important pollutants impacting surface water quality as it passes through Osun State's gold mining regions. Finally, it has been determined that the following criteria are crucial for the stretch of this research season: DO, Hardness, Turbidity, Chloride, Potassium, Nitrate, Lead, TSS, Cadmium, Chromium, Sulphate, Manganese, Mercury, and Arsenic. Most of the physicochemical variables examined in this study fell within their corresponding standard limits. Based on the results of this study, the appropriate constituted authority is encouraged to continuously monitor and assess surface water quality suitability for drinking, domestic, and irrigation purposes by keeping track of the effects of water contaminants and detecting any changes in the water quality. To safeguard and maintain groundwater quality and public health, it is advised that appropriate regulatory policies and water treatment procedures be employed in the area. Additionally, it is proposed that when enhancing water quality and investigating the sustainable use of water resources, surface water pollution should be taken into consideration.