Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Seasonal and Spatial Dynamics of Heavy Metals Contamination in Oguta Lake, Imo State, Nigeria

Igbomezie Maryann Chioma, Ogukwe Cynthia, E, Oze Nwanneamaka Rita, Basil, Ngozichukwu Anukam, Nnaemeka J Okorocha, Obiagwu Ifeoma Chinwendu, Ezekoye Miracle Oluchukwu, Oluboyo Michael Babalola, and An

Abstract

This study investigated the seasonal and spatial dynamics of heavy metal contamination in Oguta Lake, Nigeria, with implications for ecological integrity and public health. Water samples were collected from three stations (upstream, midstream, downstream) during dry and rainy seasons and analyzed for eleven metals (Pb, Fe, Co, Ag, Ti, Cr, Cu, V, Zn, Mn, Ni) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations (p < 0.05). Pb (6.7–13.3 mg/L) and Fe (11.5–35.3 mg/L) were highest upstream, Zn (13.1–22.7 mg/L) and Mn (0.12–1.27 mg/L) peaked midstream, while Ni and Co were elevated downstream, particularly in the rainy season. Mean concentrations followed the order Fe > Zn > Pb > Mn > Ni, with several metals exceeding World Health Organization permissible limits. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between Pb and Fe, and between Zn and Mn, across both seasons. A Ni–Co relationship emerged during the rainy season, suggesting a combined geogenic and anthropogenic influence. The findings highlight Oguta Lake as a hotspot of heavy metal pollution, emphasising the urgent need for continuous monitoring, watershed management, and the provision of safe alternative water sources to protect the surrounding communities.

Keywords

Heavy metalswater qualityseasonal variationpollutionNigeriafreshwater

References

Adeleke, A. E., Adegbite, S. A., Onifade, A. P., Sangoremi, A. A., & Adegbite, A. A. (2022). Seasonal variation of heavy metals concentration of industrial effluents and receiving rivers in Iguosa and Ikopba, Benin City, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Applied Chemistry Research, 11(1), 73–78. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajacr/2022/v11i130248 Adeleke, A. O., Oladele, A. T., & Akande, A. (2022). Assessment of heavy metal pollution in surface water of Ikpoba River, Benin City, Nigeria. Applied Water Science, 12(2), 47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-021-01514-0 Adeola, M. O., & Adedeji, A. O. (2015). Distribution of heavy metals in surface sediments from streams and their associated fishponds in Osun State, Nigeria. Environmental Health Perspectives, 6(11), 78–85. https://doi.org/10.5696/2156-9614-6-11.34 Adepoju-Bello, A. A., Ojomolade, O. O., Ayoola, G. A., & Coker, H. A. B. (2009). Quantitative analysis of some toxic metals in domestic water obtained from Lagos Metropolis. The Nigerian Journal of Pharmacy, 42(1), 57–60. Retrieved from https://ir.unilag.edu.ng/handle/123456789/9945 (U of Lagos Repository) Aderinola, O. J., Clarke, E. O., Olarinmoye, O. M., Kusemiju, V., & Anetekhai, M. A. (2009). Heavy metals in surface water, sediments, fish and periwinkles of Lagos Lagoon. American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Science, 5(5), 609–617. (ResearchGate, nijfaq.com.ng) Ali, H., Khan, E., & Ilahi, I. (2019). Environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology of hazardous heavy metals: Environmental persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation. Journal of Chemistry, 2019, Article ID 6730305. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6730305 Masresha, A. E., Skipperud, L., Gebremariam, Z., et al. (2023). Mobile trace elements in sediments from lakes Hawassa, Koka, and Ziway in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195, Article 11. doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-10512-y Masresha, E., Leta, S., Atlabachew, M., & Mehari, B. (2023). Levels, sources, and health risks of heavy metals in Rift Valley lakes of Ethiopia. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195, 115. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-10681-7 Ntale, M., & Onyari, J. M. (2006). Assessment of heavy metal pollution in the surface sediments of Lake Victoria. East African Journal of Science, 8(1), 1–14. Obodo, G. A. (2004). The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish from Anambra River. Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 29(1), 60–66. Okoye, P. U., & Duruibe, J. O. (2023). Assessment of heavy metal pollution in Nigerian surface freshwaters and sediment: A meta-analysis using ecological and human health risk indices. Journal of Environmental Management, 325, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.116490 Olatunji, O. S., & Osibanjo, O. (2012). Determination of selected heavy metals in inland fresh water of lower River Niger drainage in North Central Nigeria. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 6(10), 403–408. 10.5897/AJEST12.124 Oyeyiola, A. O., Davidson, C. M., & Olayinka, K. O. (2014). Fractionation and ecotoxicological implication of potentially toxic metals in sediments of three urban rivers and the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria, West Africa. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 186, 7321– https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-014-3929-9 Oyeyiola, A. O., Olayinka, K. O., Alo, B. I., & Popoola, O. E. (2014). Heavy metals in surface water and sediments of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria: A pollution index approach. Journal of Environmental Protection, 5(18), 1660–1673. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2014.518158 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). (2010). Great Lakes human health effects program: Report on heavy metals in water. Washington, D.C.: USEPA. World Health Organization. (2022). Guidelines for drinking-water quality: Fourth edition incorporating the first addendum. Geneva: Author.

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL PROCESSES

Toxic Effect of High Doses of Monosodium Glutamate on the Kidney Histology of Adult Wistar Rat

Author: Idehen, I.C., Dic-Ijiewere, E.O., Airhomwanbor, K.O., Ogun, F. E. Okparaku, S. O., Ibhawaegbele, S.O. & Igwe R. M. N.

Bacterioloigical Assesment of Water from Otamiri River in Owerri Imo State

Author: Ogah, J. O. & Ogah R. O. and Chemistry/Biochemistry Department Fedreal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri Imo State.