Heavy metals in water and sediment of Quap River

This study was carried out to examine the levels of heavy metals namely Copper (Cu). Zinc (Zn). Nickel (Ni). Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) in Kuap River. Water and sediment samples were collected from seven selected sampling stations in the months ofOctober and November 2009. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured by means of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (F AAS). The obtained concentrations of heavy metal in water were compared with Interim National Water Quality Standard (INWQS) while pollution status of sediments was compare with USEPA guideline. Based on INWQS, heavy metals such as Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb in water were fuund exceeded the safe level permitted Meanwhile, upon comparing with USEP A guidelines, none of heavy metals studied in sediment exceeded the permitted levels. The distribution trend of heavy metals in water and sediment are Cu<Cr<Zn<Pb<Ni and Cu<Ni<Cr<Pb