Abstract—The alarming increase, in water pollution has been reported in a number of cities, throughout the world because of its overwhelming environmental significance. Due to the decomposing nature of the open dumps and industrial discharges, urban storm-water runoff, and agricultural drainage, the resultant leachates which are mobile, can pollute surface and underground waters. This work emphasized more on heavy metals from leachate which were known to accumulate in selected tissues of the human body and have the potential to be toxic even at minor levels of exposure. Effective water resources management programmes, improved water quality standards, effluent and site control guidelines and effective monitoring of industrial discharges in Nigeria were discussed.

Index Terms—Contaminants, Heavy Metals, Legislation, Nigeria, Sound Management, Toxicity, Water Pollution and Water Resources.

N. I. Onwughara is with the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, P. M. B. 5052 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria (Corresponding Author: Phone: +2348063781088, e-mail: onwugharankwachukwu@yahoo.com).
U. C. Umeobika is with the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, P. M. B. 5052 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria (e-mail: ugowens84@yahoo.com).
P. N. Obianuko is Raw Material Research and Development Councils, Okpuno Road, Anambra State, Nigeria. (email: ucheobianuko@yahoo.com).
I. M. Iloamaeke is with the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, P. M. B. 5052 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria (e-mail: ifeomailoamaeke@yahoo.com).

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Cite: N. I. Onwughara, U. C. Umeobika, P. N. Obianuko and I. M. Iloamaeke, "Emphasis on Effects of Storm Runoff in Mobilizing the Heavy Metals from Leachate on Waste Deposit to Contaminate Nigerian Waters: Improved Water Quality Standards," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 55-63, 2011.