IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL PROCESSES (IJCCP )

E-I SSN 2545-5265
P- ISSN 2695-1916
VOL. 9 NO. 2 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56201/ijccp.v9.no2.2023.pg1.11

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Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediment of Selected Creeks in Rivers State, Nigeria

Uzamere, Osemwengie Momta, Philip Nukebabari Abule, Esther Chinyere

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Abstract

There has been much concern about the rate at which industrial and household wastes are released into Creeks in Rivers State. The study examined the status of heavy metal pollutants (Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Ni) in sediment and to determine the extent of damage caused by these human factors using the most recent pollution index and Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The research was carried out in four important creeks along the Delta River network in Rivers State, Nigeria (Okrika, Borokiri, Eagle Island, and Kaa). Triplicate sediment samples were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm and extracted with 20cm3 of aqua ragia (a 3:1 mixture of HCl and HNO3) and 10cm3 of 30% H2O2. The metal concentrations were measured using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentrations of the heavy metals ranged from 11.147–18.919mg/kg, 11.918–14.379mg/kg, 8.321–11.691 mg/kg, 6.405–11.72mg/kg, and 5.718–12.125mg/kg, and 2.429-7.725mg/kg respectively and followed the sequence Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni >Cu > Cd. Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) calculated was less than 0 i.e. uncontaminated for all metals except Pb in Borokiri Creek and Cd in all sampled creeks, showing moderate contamination. Eco-toxicological risk assessment (RI) indicated that the creeks were uncontaminated. Despite the low level of contamination, it is recommended that relevant authorities to regulate the indiscriminate dumping of domestic waste and untreated industrial effluents into the river to prevent the deterioration of the creeks

keywords:

Heavy metals, Geo-accumulation index, Ecotoxicological risk assessment index

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References:

Aigberua, A.O., Ogbuta, A. A. & Izah, S.C. (2020). Selected heavy metals in sediment of Taylor
creek due to anthropogenic activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria: geochemical
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Akan, J.C., Abdurahman, F.J., Sodipo, D.A., Ochanya, A.E. & Askira, Y.K. (2010). Heavy
metals in sediments from River Ngada, Maiduguru Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria.
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Bernard A. (2008). Cadmium & its adverse effects on human health. Indian Journal of Medical
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