Temitope Mary Taiwo Timothy O. Ogunbode ^*

• Environmental Management and Crop Production Unit, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria

Water is vital for humanity, and understanding pollution factors affecting its quality and sustainability is essential. This study examines the effects of quarry operations specifically rock excavation, blasting, and mining on rainwater quality at the Sanlong Quarry Industry (SQI) in Ifelodun, Southwestern Nigeria. Rainwater samples, collected along a 15-150m transect, were analysed for five heavy metals: cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and magnesium (Mg). These metals were selected based on their prevalence in the natural environment and financial constraints limiting the study scope. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used for metal analysis, while eight physicochemical properties (e.g., electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity) were assessed using standard methods.Results, analysed via SPSS, showed general compliance with water quality standards, although Pb and Cd levels exceeded WHO, NAFDAC, and US-EPA limits in some samples, posing health risks if the rainwater is consumed. The presence of Pb and Cd, both toxic metals, suggests potential carcinogenic and systemic health risks. While quarry operations did not impact other investigated physicochemical properties, the elevated metal concentrations raise environmental and health concerns for quarry workers and residents. Quarry management (QRM) is advised to ensure access to safe water and inform staff of water contamination risks.Continued regulatory compliance, public safety prioritisation, and pollution controls at significant distances from residential areas are essential for sustainable quarrying. Further studies should examine additional heavy metals and physicochemical properties to comprehensively assess water safety.