Seasonal Variation in physico-chemical parameters and Heavy Metals Assessment in Surface Water of North Alabama

Water quality in North Alabama is becoming a critical issue and in order to understand the quality of water in the Flint Creek and Flint Rivers, concentration levels of physicochemical parameters and trace heavy metals were measured in six strategically selected sites within the streams to obtain baseline data. A total of 192 surface water samples were collected and analyzed for total phosphorous and five heavy metals of concern. Physical and chemical parameters were determined for dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, pH, temperature, water conductivity and total phosphorous. The concentration of the DO was above guidelines in three sites at both rivers. All metals were statistically significant (P <= 0.05) at 95% confidence interval by watershed. Aluminum and lead exceeded their maximum permissible levels. The results for heavy metals in this study show location and seasonal variability. There was significantly higher heavy metal content during winter>spring>summer>fall. The values for the Hazard Quotientand Hazard Index for both watershed sites were mostly more than 1, indicating some levels of concern. Additionally, surrounding rocks and other anthropogenic sources appeared to be causing the elevated chemical content of the rivers and may have resulted in significant adverse impacts on the study areas.