This study assessed heavy metals concentration and physicochemical characteristics in water, fish, and sediment at Ubeyi River in Ebonyi State, Nigeria using standard methods. Data obtained revealed that, the highest pH (6.225) and turbidity (60.35 NTU) were observed at the upstream. The highest BOD (0.405 mg/l) and EC (200.05 µmhos/cm) were obtained at the middle stream which were significantly (P<0.05) higher than values obtained at the upstream (0.205 mg/l and 100.05 µmhos/cm) and downstream (0.067 mg/l and 40.05 µmhos/cm). The highest value of TSS (101.50 mg/l) was observed at the downstream. Cd (0.00015 mg/l), Cr (4.125 mg/l), Zn (2.615 mg/l), Ni (1.47 mg/l), and Pb (0.00015 mg/l) in water at the upstream was statistically (P>0.05) the same with their corresponding values at middle stream (0.00015, 4.13, 2.675, 1.465, and 0.00015 mg/l) and downstream (0.00015, 4.135, 2.305, 1.445, and 0.00015 mg/l). Similarly, no statistical difference (P>0.05) exist in the values of metals in fish and sediment at the upstream, middle stream, and downstream. Dissolved oxygen and Turbidity of the river were higher than the permissible limit of 5.0 mg/l and 5.0 NTU by WHO Codex Alimentarius while Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn in water were below WHO permissible limit of 0.02, 0.01, 0.05, 0.003, and 1.0 mg/l in water, respectively.

Quarrying as a land use is a potential source of water pollution but lack of access to safe drinking water has impelled people to make use of pond water from quarry sites. This study investigated the physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals of water samples collected at China quarry site in Ngwogwo Ivo Local Government of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The concentrations of Cd (0.01±0.00 to 0.02±0.00 mg/l), Pb (6.70±0.78 to 7.87±1.08 mg/l), Ni (1.03±0.04 to 1.37±0.04 mg/l), As (1.99±0.02 to 2.35±0.09 mg/l), Fe (3.66±0.44 to 4.18±0.04 mg/l) and Zn (2.47±0.06 to 3.17±1.13 mg/l) were higher than the permissible limit of drinking water by World Health Organization, WHO and Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON. Also, the values of biochemical oxygen demand, BOD (37.57±1.44 to 53.13±0.86 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand, COD (59.55±0.51 to 61.28±0.64 mg/l), dissolved oxygen, DO (5.14±1.51 to 5.75±1.09 mg/l), Mn (3.64±0.91 to 5.10±1.27 %) and Ca (91.88±0.18 to 102.83±0.59 %) were higher than the permissible limit recommended by WHO. Consequently, it is recommended that quarry workers and inhabitants of Ngwogwo should be discouraged from making use of the pond water since it is not fit and will expose them to serious health challenges. In addition, Ebonyi State Government should demand Environmental Impact Assessment report from miners before issuing operating license to them.

The World Health Organization opined that suspended particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5, PM10) are affecting more people worldwide than any other pollutant. This study aimed to determine the status of particulate matter, elemental composition of granite and weather parameters via sampling and analysis of samples from different locations at quarry site in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The highest concentrations of Pb (2.00±0.05 mg/kg), Zn (6.85±0.06 mg/kg), Mn (94.21±0.13 mg/kg), Fe (3,461.65±3.61 mg/kg), Ca (5.41±0.01 %) and K (0.24±0.02 %) in different sizes of granites were recorded in dust particles. The order of abundance of the elemental composition in granites is: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ca > Mg > Pb > Co > As > Na > K. The highest temperature (45.88±0.53 °C) and relative humidity (49.05±0.21 %) was recorded close to the conveyor belt and walk way to pit, respectively. The concentration of PM2.5 (69.00±1.41 µg/m3) and PM10 (2,829.50±12.02 µg/m3) were highest at the chippings deposition cum collection point. The concentration of PM2.5 is higher than the permissible limit set by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO). The concentration of PM10 is substantially above the permissible limit set by WHO. This suggest that quarry workers, and the wider community are subjected to prevailing environmental health threat. This emphasizes the need for rigorous implementation of existing environmental legislations established to protect the environment and public health.