Asian Journal of Physical and Chemical Sciences

Comparative Study on the Effect of the Extraction Methods on Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Essential Oil from Commiphora myrrha Resin, Mogadishu, Somalia

Abdullahi Yusuf Mohamed — 2026-09-19

This study compared hydrodistillation and steam distillation for the extraction of essential oil from Commiphora myrrha resin and evaluated differences in yield, chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity. Steam distillation produced a higher essential-oil yield (3.25%) than hydrodistillation (1.25%). Hydrodistillation produced a pale-yellow oil with a density of 0.8766 g/cm³, whereas steam distillation produced a golden-yellow oil with a density of 0.8791 g/cm³. GC-MS analysis identified 69 components in the steam-distilled oil and 76 components in the hydrodistilled oil. The principal constituents of the steam-distilled oil were alpha-pinene (24.54%), terpinen-4-ol (13.21%), beta-ocimene (11.80%), caryophyllene (4.50%), and humulene (4.11%). The hydrodistilled oil was characterised mainly by alpha-pinene (28.54%), 3-carene (16.24%), terpinen-4-ol (9.07%), sabinene (5.55%), and o-cymene (5.42%). In the DPPH assay, steam-distilled oil showed significantly greater radical-scavenging activity than hydrodistilled oil at all tested concentrations (p < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity was also higher for steam-distilled oil (0.32 ± 0.019 mg ASAeq/mg dw) than for hydrodistilled oil (0.249 ± 0.003 mg ASAeq/mg dw). Antimicrobial responses varied according to microorganism and concentration; hydrodistilled oil produced larger inhibition zones in several bacterial comparisons and against Candida albicans at 25%, whereas some comparisons showed no significant difference. The findings demonstrate that the extraction method influenced oil yield, volatile composition, and the measured biological activities under the tested conditions.

Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene/Iron Oxide and Graphene/Iron Oxide/Bismuth Oxybromide Composites for Methylene Blue Adsorption: Synthesis, Characterization, Kinetic, and Isotherm Studies

Bintou Coulibaly — 2026-09-22

Methylene blue (MB) is a cationic dye whose removal from contaminated aqueous media is important for wastewater treatment. This study evaluated graphene/iron oxide (EG/Fe₃O₄) and graphene/iron oxide/bismuth oxybromide (EG/Fe₂O₃/BiOBr) composites for MB adsorption. The binary composite was prepared by electrochemical exfoliation; BiOBr was synthesised hydrothermally, and the ternary composite was subsequently assembled through hydrothermal treatment. The materials were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. XRD indicated Fe₃O₄ as the dominant iron oxide phase in EG/Fe₃O₄ and the presence of Fe₂O₃ and BiOBr in the ternary composite. Batch adsorption experiments examined contact time, initial MB concentration, and adsorbent dose. Equilibrium was reached after approximately 60 min in the contact-time experiments. The pseudo-second-order model provided the better kinetic fit for both composites. Equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir model for EG/Fe₃O₄ and by the Freundlich model for EG/Fe₂O₃/BiOBr. The maximum adsorption capacities were 21.41 mg g⁻¹ and 27.10 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Maximum removal efficiencies of 99.8% for EG/Fe₃O₄ and 99.6% for EG/Fe₂O₃/BiOBr were obtained in the adsorbent-dose experiments. These findings indicate that both composites are effective MB adsorbents under the tested batch conditions, with differences in removal efficiency and adsorption capacity.

Antischistosomal Activity of Calotropis procera Flower Ethanol Extract

A. H. Mara — 2026-10-10

Schistosomiasis remains a major neglected tropical disease across sub-Saharan Africa, and control efforts rely almost entirely on a single drug, praziquantel, which has limited activity against juvenile schistosomes and no paediatric formulation. Medicinal plants therefore continue to be screened as potential sources of alternative or complementary antischistosomal agents. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, chemical composition and antischistosomal potential of the flower of Calotropis procera, a plant widely used in African and Asian traditional medicine. Shade-dried, pulverised C. procera flowers were macerated in absolute ethanol and the crude extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT–IR) and Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopic analyses. Acute toxicity (LD₅₀) and histopathological assessment were carried out in albino rats, and antischistosomal activity was evaluated in vitro (schistosome suspension exposed to graded extract concentrations) and in vivo (Schistosoma-infected albino mice dosed orally at 50–600 mg/kg/day, referenced against praziquantel). The extract (22% yield) tested positive for alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids and flavonol glycosides. GC–MS resolved 24 constituents, dominated by the fatty-acid methyl ester 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (31.57% relative peak area), together with 3-chloro-5-((dimethylamino)methyl)-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone (13.68%) and 9,15-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (11.85%). FT–IR spectra showed O–H, C–H and C–O absorptions consistent with the identified metabolite classes, and UV–Vis analysis showed a dominant absorption maximum at 279 nm indicative of conjugated chromophores. The extract was well tolerated up to 2000 mg/kg body weight (no mortality), with only mild peri-portal infiltration on liver histology. In vitro, the extract produced dose- and time-dependent immobilisation and death of schistosomes, with the highest effect (75–100% mortality) recorded within 15 minutes at concentrations ≥500 mg/kg. In vivo, oral extract administration reduced worm burden by 18–52% across the dose range tested, compared with 73% for praziquantel. Calotropis procera flower extract shows measurable, dose-dependent antischistosomal activity and a favourable acute-toxicity profile, supporting its potential as a source of lead antischistosomal compounds. Bioassay-guided isolation of the major constituents and mechanistic and sub-chronic toxicity studies are recommended before any therapeutic application is considered.

Chemical Characterisation of Cereals and Pulses in the Diets of Elite Chadian Combat Sports Athletes: A Focus on Proteins and Lipids for Precision in Dietary Recommendations

Allaissem Moyengar — 2026-10-13

Objective : This study aimed to characterise the dietary sources consumed by elite Chadian combat-sport athletes during the pre-competition period and to quantify the crude protein content and total lipid levels of the main cereals and pulses included in their diets.

Design : A descriptive investigation was conducted in N’Djamena between August 2023 and November 2024. Dietary data were collected in national accommodation and training centres hosting elite combat athletes during pre-competitive regrouping, while chemical analyses were performed at the Center for Food Quality Control (CECOQDA).

Materials and Methods : Dietary data were collected from 63 national-level athletes (31 women and 32 men), aged 16-29 years, using the Cubeau and Péquinot dietary assessment method adapted to local conditions. Crude protein content was determined using the Kjeldahl reference method, and total lipid content was measured using Soxhlet extraction.

Results : The athletes’ diet was predominantly plant-based, with plant sources representing 69% of total intake versus 31% from animal sources. Among pulses, white kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) contained 13.74% protein and 1.35% lipids, while « Pois de terre » (Vigna subterranea) contained 11.40% protein and 5.82% lipids. Cereals showed lower protein values (4.21%-8.70%) and lipid contents ranging from 2.29% to 3.44%. The ANOVA revealed significant differences among food items (P < 0.05). Pulses exhibited substantially higher protein levels than cereals, confirming their role as the primary protein sources. Lipid content also differed significantly (P < 0.05), with « Pois de terre » showing the highest value (5.82 g/100 g), followed by millet and maize.

Conclusion : These findings provide essential baseline data for evidence-based nutritional recommendations in combat sports and contribute original insights into underexplored plant-based food resources in Chad. Further scientific investigations are required to achieve a comprehensive characterisation of the nutritional and phytochemical constituents of these cereals and pulses.

Dielectric Relaxation of Aqueous Glycine Investigated by Time-domain Reflectometry

Ravindra B. Talware — 2026-10-14

The dielectric response of aqueous glycine was examined from 10 MHz to 30 GHz at seven nominal temperatures between 25 and −5 °C over a reported composition series of 0–1.0 mol L⁻¹. Time-domain reflectometry data were interpreted with a single Cole–Davidson relaxation function to obtain static permittivity (ε₀), relaxation time (τ), high-frequency permittivity (ε∞), and the distribution parameter (β). At 25 °C, the reported ε₀ increased from 78.27 for water to 105.35 at the highest glycine concentration, while τ increased from 8.32 to 16.08 ps. Both parameters generally increased on cooling. An Eyring analysis performed by ordinary least-squares regression of the tabulated relaxation times yielded activation enthalpies ranging from approximately 8.53 to 10.89 kJ mol⁻¹ and concentration-dependent activation entropies. The reported Kirkwood correlation factor at 25 °C decreased from 2.82 for water to 1.57 at 8.9 wt% glycine, indicating a change in the effective orientational correlation under the adopted molecular model. The dielectric and thermodynamic trends are consistent with concentration- and temperature-dependent solute–solvent dynamics, although the fitted parameters alone do not uniquely establish a hydrogen-bonding mechanism or exclude multiple relaxation processes. Interpretation at subzero temperature is conditional on the uncharacterized sample phase.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk in Soil Samples Around Some Selected Dump Sites in South-South, Nigeria

Anyalebechi, Chinedu Denilson — 2026-10-15

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to determine the total concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, Cd, and Cr) in soil samples from Rumuolumini, Aluu, and Igwuruta communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study evaluated metal concentrations, contamination status, potential human-health risks, and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) using mathematical models and regulatory guidance from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A total of fifteen (15) soil samples were collected at a depth of 1 m below ground level and assessed using the Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), and ELCR. The results showed spatial variation in metal concentrations, with the overall heavy-metal burden following the order Aluu > Rumuolumini > Igwuruta. Most metals exhibited low contamination (CF < 1), whereas Cd showed considerable contamination at Aluu (3.79 ± 2.35) and Rumuolumini (3.23 ± 2.93). Mean PLI values were 0.248 ± 0.049, 0.156 ± 0.037, and 0.038 ± 0.013 for Aluu, Rumuolumini, and Igwuruta, respectively. The Igeo values similarly indicated generally unpolluted conditions, except for localised Cd enrichment. Mean HI values were 0.0299, 0.0204, and 0.0038, respectively, all substantially below unity. Mean total ELCR values were 2.87 × 10⁻⁵, 1.28 × 10⁻⁵, and 3.55 × 10⁻⁶, respectively, with Aluu recording the highest potential carcinogenic risk. Overall, the soils showed low general heavy-metal pollution and non-carcinogenic risk; however, localised Cd enrichment and the contributions of Ni and Cd to carcinogenic risk warrant continued environmental monitoring.

Evaluation of Radiological Hazard Indices in Selected Farmland Soils around Landfill Sites in Rivers State, Nigeria

Anyalebechi, Chinedu Denilson — 2026-10-17

Natural radionuclide levels and radiological hazard indices in soils from selected farmlands around landfills in Rivers State, Nigeria, were assessed using gamma-ray spectroscopy with a NaI (Ti) detector. The assessment considered ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U and ²³²Th at the Aluu, IAUE and Igwuruta dumpsites. For Aluu, the calculated radium equivalent activity (Raeq) values in the present study ranged from 9.10 to 135.49 Bq/kg, with an average value of 62.24 ± 14.60 Bq/kg. The Iγ values ranged from 0.04 to 0.51, with a mean of 0.25 ± 0.06; Hₑₓ values ranged from 0.02 to 0.37, with a mean of 0.16 ± 0.04; and Hᵢₙ values ranged from 0.03 to 0.42, with an average of 0.22 ± 0.05. The absorbed dose rate ranged from 3.96 to 58.59 nGy/h, with a mean of 28.02 ± 6.31 nGy/h, while the AEDE values ranged from 0.00 to 0.07 mSv/y, with a mean of 0.03 ± 0.001 mSv/y. The gonadal dose ranged from 27.08 to 405.02 mSv/y. The ELCR values ranged from 0.08 × 10⁻³ to 1.12 × 10⁻³, with a mean of 0.48 ± 0.13 × 10⁻³, while the AUI values ranged from 0.08 to 1.12, with an average of 0.48 ± 0.13. For IAUE, the Raeq values ranged from 21.47 to 112.64 Bq/kg, with a mean of 85.60 Bq/kg. The Iγ values ranged from 0.09 to 0.49, with a mean of 0.37 ± 0.04; Hₑₓ values ranged from 0.06 to 0.30, with an average of 0.23 ± 0.03; and Hᵢₙ values ranged from 0.06 to 0.48, with a mean of 0.34 ± 0.04. The absorbed dose rate ranged from 11.13 to 50.39 nGy/h, with an average of 39.00 ± 4.18 nGy/h, while the AEDE values ranged from 0.01 to 0.06 mSv/y, with a mean of 0.05 ± 0.006 mSv/y. The gonadal dose ranged from 82.73 to 345.36 mSv/y, with a mean of 267.79 ± 27.82 mSv/y. The ELCR values ranged from 0.05 × 10⁻³ to 0.22 × 10⁻³, with a mean of 0.17 ± 0.02 × 10⁻³, while the AUI values ranged from 0.05 to 0.98, with an average of 0.70 ± 0.10. For Igwuruta, the calculated Raeq values ranged from 15.67 to 104.85 Bq/kg, with an average value of 54.13 ± 10.58 Bq/kg. The Iγ values ranged from 0.06 to 0.48, with a mean of 0.24 ± 0.05; Hₑₓ values ranged from 0.04 to 0.28, with an average of 0.15 ± 0.03; and Hᵢₙ values ranged from 0.04 to 0.47, with a mean value of 0.22 ± 0.05. The absorbed dose rate ranged from 7.17 to 47.90 nGy/h, with a mean of 25.23 ± 4.82 nGy/h, while the AEDE values ranged from 0.01 to 0.06 mSv/y, with a mean of 0.03 ± 0.006 mSv/y. The gonadal dose ranged from 51.14 to 326.57 mSv/y, with a mean of 175.00 ± 32.44 mSv/y. The ELCR values ranged from 0.10 × 10⁻³ to 0.21 × 10⁻³, with a mean of 0.11 ± 0.07 × 10⁻³, while the AUI values ranged from 0.10 to 0.89, with a mean of 0.40 ± 0.10. The radiological parameters varied among the three locations. IAUE recorded the highest mean values of Raeq (85.60 Bq/kg), Iγ (0.37), Hₑₓ (0.23), Hᵢₙ (0.34), absorbed dose rate (39.00 nGy/h), AEDE (0.05 mSv/y), gonadal dose (267.79 mSv/y) and AUI (0.70), indicating comparatively higher radiological activity. Igwuruta recorded the lowest values for most parameters, including Raeq (54.13 Bq/kg), absorbed dose rate (25.23 nGy/h), Hₑₓ (0.15) and AUI (0.40). In contrast, Aluu recorded the highest mean ELCR (0.48 × 10⁻³), compared with 0.17 × 10⁻³ at IAUE and 0.11 × 10⁻³ at Igwuruta, indicating a comparatively higher estimated lifetime cancer risk at Aluu. Overall, all three locations showed radiological indices generally below their respective recommended reference limits, suggesting a low overall radiological hazard, although Aluu warrants attention because of its relatively elevated ELCR. However, the Aluu site recorded the highest value of ELCR (0.48 × 10⁻³), suggesting a comparatively greater potential lifetime cancer risk. In summary, the findings indicate that the investigated soils do not pose a significant radiological threat under present conditions, although regular radiological monitoring and improved landfill management are recommended, especially at the Aluu dumpsite.

Effect of Calm-record Treatment on Wind Resource Estimates: A Ten-Year Synoptic Analysis across the Sahara–Sahel Gradient of Niger

Moumouni Guero Mohamed — 2026-10-26

Background: Synoptic wind archives often contain exact zero-speed observations. Treating these observations as missing can distort wind-resource estimates, particularly where calms are frequent.

Aims: To measure how treating calm (zero-speed) records in synoptic wind archives changes wind-resource estimates, and to describe the wind regimes of three Nigerien stations.

Study Design: Retrospective methodological study: four calm treatments compared, with block-bootstrap uncertainty analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Bilma (hyper-arid Sahara), Agadez Aéro (Sahara–Sahel transition) and N’Guigmi (Sahelian Lake Chad basin), Niger; eight-times-daily observations from January 2015 to December 2024.

Methodology: Of 73,156 observations, 29,368 had zero speed, 99.89% of them with a zero-direction code (WMO calm convention). Four treatments were compared: calms retained, discarded, reconstructed by neighbor-averaging, or a zero-inflated Weibull mixture. Weibull parameters were fitted by maximum likelihood, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) from a block bootstrap (1- to 60-day blocks), and compared with gamma and lognormal fits (Akaike Information Criterion, AIC). Capacity factor used a generic turbine power curve.

Results: Calm fractions were 4.54% (Agadez), 45.64% (Bilma) and 58.21% (N’Guigmi). A continuous Weibull fit including calms was degenerate (k ≈ 0.05–0.09) at Bilma and N’Guigmi. The treatment changed capacity factor by 5 percentage points at Agadez, 1.8-fold at Bilma and 2.4-fold at N’Guigmi. Under the mixture model, mean speeds were 4.84, 1.77 and 1.08 m s⁻¹, and capacity factors 26.2% (95% CI 23.8–28.5%), 6.1% (5.4–6.8%) and 1.3% (1.1–1.6%). Thirty-day blocks widened scale-parameter intervals 2.1- to 3.1-fold without changing the station ranking. Weibull never had the lowest AIC. Hourly calm weighting replaced the apparent nocturnal maximum at Bilma with a late-morning peak.

Conclusion: Calm-record treatment is a first-order choice in wind assessment: its effect exceeds sampling uncertainty at Bilma and N’Guigmi and matches it at Agadez. The station ranking is robust, but absolute yields are indicative (anemometer height, units and station history undocumented). Three stations are test cases, not a map of Niger’s wind resource.

Nonlocal vdW-DF2 Study of Electronic and Magnetic Phase Engineering in Half-Functionalized Germanene

Ngoye Bre-Junior Kanga — 2026-10-27

Phase engineering of two-dimensional Dirac materials via selective chemical functionalization offers a promising route toward controlling electronic and magnetic properties for nanoscale device integration. Using first-principles density functional theory calculations within the generalized gradient approximation complemented by van der Waals corrections (vdW-DF2), we present a systematic investigation of the energetic, structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of germanene monolayers half-functionalized with hydrogen ( GeH ) and fluorine ( GeF ). Both half-passivated configurations are thermodynamically stable with exothermic formation energies, maintaining robust in-plane covalent \(\mathrm{Ge}-\mathrm{Ge}\) bonding despite significant out-of-plane orbital hybridization \(\left(s p^2 \rightarrow s p^3\right)\). Bader charge analysis and real-space charge density distributions reveal strong out-of-plane polarizations along the adatom-germanium axis, driven by Pauling electronegativity contrasts, alongside negligible in-plane charge transfer across the basal plane. Crucially, single-sublattice passivation breaks the inversion symmetry of the host lattice and unquenches localized \(4 p_z\) orbitals on the unpassivated germanium sites. This leads to distinct electronic and magnetic ground states dictated by the adatom species. Half-hydrogenation (GeH) converts germanene into a ferromagnetic half-metal featuring a 0.32 eV direct bandgap in the majority (spin-up) channel-identical in magnitude to its non-spin-polarized gap-while the minority (spin-down) channel crosses the Fermi level, whereas half-fluorination (GeF) stabilizes an antiferromagnetic semi-metallic state with continuous spin-channel degeneracy across the Brillouin zone. Mean-field estimations based on an \(S=1 / 2\) localized Heisenberg model yield a Curie temperature of \(T_{\mathrm{C}}=30.6 \mathrm{~K}\) for the FM GeH monolayer. Projected density of states (PDOS) analyses confirm that the Fermi-level states in GeH are governed almost exclusively by the unpassivated germanium \(4 p\) orbitals, whereas the magnetic behavior in GeF originates from strong hybridization between host \(4 p\) and fluorine \(2 p\) states. These findings establish single-sided functionalization as an effective, non-destructive strategy for tailoring spin-dependent transport channels in group-IV Dirac monolayers for 2D spintronic and magnetoelectronic applications.

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol at a Silicon–Phosphate Modified Carbon Paste Electrode

Olivier François Aristide Bertrand Koffi — 2026-10-29

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are promising electrochemical energy conversion systems; however, the sluggish kinetics of methanol oxidation and the high cost of conventional noble-metal catalysts remain significant challenges. Developing low-cost alternative electrode materials is therefore important. Silicon- and natural phosphate-modified carbon paste electrodes offer a potential approach to improving the electrochemical response towards methanol oxidation. This study reports the fabrication and electrochemical characterisation of a carbon paste electrode modified with silicon (10 wt%) and Moroccan natural phosphate (40 wt%) for methanol electro-oxidation. A bare carbon paste electrode, composed of graphite and paraffin oil, was used as the reference. The electrodes were prepared by mixing the constituents and then packing into a cylindrical holder, providing an active surface area of approximately 0.25 cm². Electrochemical characterisation was performed in 1 M NaCl using cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, Tafel polarisation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, while the electrocatalytic performance towards methanol oxidation was evaluated at different methanol concentrations. Compared with the bare electrode, the Si/NP-modified carbon paste electrode exhibited higher anodic current densities, a slightly more positive corrosion potential, and a distinct impedance response, indicating an improved electrochemical response towards methanol oxidation. The observed behaviour is consistent with the complementary roles of natural phosphate and silicon in modifying the electrode/electrolyte interface. These findings demonstrate that the Si/NP-modified carbon paste electrode is a promising low-cost candidate for methanol electro-oxidation and warrants further investigation for its potential application as an anode material in direct methanol fuel cells.

Assessment of Influent–Effluent Water Quality and Operational Practices at Kibuye Referral Hospital Wastewater Treatment Plant, Rwanda

Patrick Biremarugira — 2026-10-29

Hospital wastewater contains organic and inorganic pollutants as well as potentially hazardous biological and pharmaceutical constituents. This descriptive case study evaluated selected physicochemical indicators and operational practices at the wastewater treatment plant serving Kibuye Referral Hospital, Karongi District, Rwanda. Three occasions of influent and effluent sampling (April–May 2026) were supplemented by interviews with seven hospital and plant personnel. Ratios of reported mean influent and effluent concentrations were used to estimate apparent concentration reductions. Effluent means were 101.9 mg/L for five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), 265 mg/L for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 66.0 mg/L for total suspended solids (TSS), 1,104 mg/L for total dissolved solids (TDS), and 40.7 mg/L for total nitrogen (TN); pH was 7.28. BOD₅, COD and TSS exceeded the respective 50, 250 and 50 mg/L screening values reproduced in Rwandan environmental guidance, whereas TDS was below its upper comparison value and pH was within the specified screening range. Apparent concentration reductions were 20.7% for BOD₅, 20.7% for COD, 62.6% for TSS and 41.6% for TDS. The TN estimates were indicative because the inlet series and analytical procedure were incompletely documented. Five of seven informants reported the absence of written inspection procedures, and six reported no wastewater-treatment training. The short sampling period and unmeasured hydraulic conditions preclude conclusions about longer-term treatment performance or permit compliance. Improved analytical traceability, routine monitoring and targeted process diagnostics are priority measures.

Integrated Assessment of Water Quality and Organic Pollutants in Iyiochi and Iyigbo Waters, Owerre-Ezukala, Anambra State during the Rainy Season

Umeh Joel I. — 2026-10-29

Access to safe water remains a significant concern in rural communities of Nigeria, where springs and streams serve as important sources of domestic water. During the rainy season, surface runoff and anthropogenic activities may increase water contamination. However, comparative information on the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal contamination of Iyiochi spring and Iyigbo stream in Owerre-Ezukala, Anambra State, remains limited. This study assessed the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal contamination of Iyiochi spring and Iyigbo stream waters in Iyiafor Village, Owerre-Ezukala, Anambra State, Nigeria, during the rainy season. Water samples were collected from both water bodies at different locations over three months (July–September 2025) and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, including pH, conductivity, temperature, turbidity, chloride, total dissolved solids, sulphate, phosphate, nitrate and hardness. Selected heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry, while Pollution Index (PI) and Metal Index (MI) were employed to evaluate the degree of contamination and suitability of the water sources. Most physicochemical parameters were within WHO/USEPA permissible limits; however, turbidity exceeded the recommended limit of 5 NTU, with mean values of 18.77 NTU and 65.07 NTU for Iyiochi and Iyigbo, respectively. The mean Pollution Index values were 0.59–0.64 for Iyiochi, indicating acceptable pollution levels, compared with 1.20–2.66 for Iyigbo, indicating slight pollution. Heavy metal analysis revealed elevated concentrations of Pb, Fe, Cd, Al, Ni and Cr in both water bodies, with comparatively higher contamination in Iyigbo. Metal indices indicated high to severe contamination by Al and Cd throughout the sampling period and by Cr in the September Iyigbo sample. Overall, the findings indicate that neither water source was entirely suitable for direct domestic use without treatment, underscoring the need for regular monitoring and appropriate water treatment before consumption.