This study was conducted to determine the concentrations of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in both water and plant samples. Each of the study sites represents an important ecological zone, that serves as a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, such as aquatic macrophytes, amphibians, riparian vegetation, macroinvertebrates, and fish species. Water and plant samples were collected, processed, and analyzed according to standard methods. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze the heavy metals in both plant tissues/organs and water. Since heavy metals cannot be detected through taste, sight, or smell, appropriate chemical analysis methods are required. By identifying the sources of contamination, preventive actions can be implemented, and health professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, can provide long-term solutions. The main objective was to assess the concentration of heavy metals and their potential health risks to humans. The results of this study showed that magnesium (Mn) had the highest concentration in plants such as Ludwigia abyssinica (19.5 mg/l), Setaria barbata (20.0 mg/l), Cyperus esculentus (18.6 mg/l), and Eleusine indica (19.73 mg/l) from various locations like Pantani, Yelenguruza, Nassarawo, Bagadaza, and Mallam Inna. The levels of chromium, nickel, and zinc were found to be below the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended maximum limits for both plant and water samples.
