Pollution Research Paper

Vol 40, Issue 3, 2021; Page No.(995-1000)

A PRELIMINARY STUDY TO ASSESS HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN WATER RESOURCES OF CHISAMBA TOWN, ZAMBIA

KALIRAJAN ARUNACHALAM1, KATUNGU MUTENDA1, DANNY BANDA1, MUNSAKA SIAN KUKU AND NEHA SHARMA

Abstract

With dwindling water resources, increasing anthropogenic pressure and industrialization, an escalating water pollution with conglomerate of varied xenobiotic compounds has been witnessed, globally. Heavy metals have been considered amongst priority pollutants with their presence being evident in industrial effluents. An empirical study was conducted, water samples were collected from three boreholes and two wells in Chisamba town, Zambia for the analysis of heavy metals Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd) in accordance with standard procedures. Our findings revealed Sample A1 and B1 possesses significant traces of As, C1 was found to be contaminated with As, Cr, Cd and Pb. Sample D1 and E1 were devoid of any significant heavy metal traces, thereby adhering to Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS). This pilot study further paves a way for bioremediation based eco-friendly interventions to mitigate the problem before it escalates further and impose eco-toxicological hazards.