Studies on the Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Load in Water and Sediment from Selected Surface Water of the Niger Delta, Nigeria Service Unavailable

Environmental pollution by toxic heavy metals does not only elicit concern in metropolitan cities but also in remote and rural communities where anthropogenic activities are taking place. The study was carried out to assess physicochemical properties and heavy metal levels in water and sediment from selected surface water of the Niger Delta. Water and sediment samples were collected from ۳ (three) chosen points in each River and were analyzed for physicochemical properties and heavy metal levels of heavy metals using standard analytical methods. The results obtained revealed marked variations and non-uniform distribution of all the physicochemical parameters across the Rivers studied with values that fall below the WHO standard limit for drinking water. Analysis of variance revealed that there was a significant difference (P < ۰.۰۵) between the parameters based on locations. The concentration of heavy metals in water and sediment around the vicinity of the Rivers revealed a spatial and non-uniform distribution in the concentration of the selected heavy metals in all the locations studied. The concentration of heavy metal determined in water and sediment was generally high in the sampled areas than in the control. Correlated heavy metal in water and sediment connotes that the metals may have similar behavior and implies they could have a common origin. Further study on the actual levels of potential risks to consumers in the vicinity of these Rivers is recommended.Environmental pollution by toxic heavy metals does not only elicit concern in metropolitan cities but also in remote and rural communities where anthropogenic activities are taking place. The study was carried out to assess physicochemical properties and heavy metal levels in water and sediment from selected surface water of the Niger Delta. Water and sediment samples were collected from ۳ (three) chosen points in each River and were analyzed for physicochemical properties and heavy metal levels of heavy metals using standard analytical methods. The results obtained revealed marked variations and non-uniform distribution of all the physicochemical parameters across the Rivers studied with values that fall below the WHO standard limit for drinking water. Analysis of variance revealed that there was a significant difference (P < ۰.۰۵) between the parameters based on locations. The concentration of heavy metals in water and sediment around the vicinity of the Rivers revealed a spatial and non-uniform distribution in the concentration of the selected heavy metals in all the locations studied. The concentration of heavy metal determined in water and sediment was generally high in the sampled areas than in the control. Correlated heavy metal in water and sediment connotes that the metals may have similar behavior and implies they could have a common origin. Further study on the actual levels of potential risks to consumers in the vicinity of these Rivers is recommended.

کلیدواژه ها:

Heavy metal ، Water ، Sediment ، Surface water ، Niger Delta