Studies on elemental concentrations in the Odzi river waters

To assess the health impact of the Odzi water on the habitant communities, the water quality was monitored over a period of 9 months at six chosen sampling points. The levels of selected physical parameters and concentrations of elements were estimated. A typical water sample in the low lands in the rainy season had pH 8.35, conductance 71 μS/cm, DS 135 ppm and SS 63 ppm. The elemental concentrations (ppm) were Fe 0.23, Zn 0.12, Mn 0.013, Cu 0.010, Co 0.006, Ni 0.001, As 0.001 and Cr 0.002. Water quality at the three points in the uplands throughout the study period was good. The water quality deteriorated in the plains, due to the mine dump leachates and farmland runoff waters.