Adekoya , J. A and Williams, Akan B. and Ayejuyo, O. O
(2006)
Distribution of heavy metals in sediments of Igbede, Ojo
and Ojora rivers of Lagos, Nigeria.
The Environmentalist, 26.
pp. 277-280.
Abstract
The distribution of some heavy metals,
namely Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr and Mn in epipellic
sediments of Igbede, Ojo and Ojora rivers of Lagos
was studied weekly in the early summer (November)
of 2003. The levels of selected trace metals were determined
using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
(UNICAM 969 AAS SOLAR). Trends in heavy metal
burdens in the sediments revealed weekly variations in
all the rivers assessed. Statistical analyses also showed
different mean levels of trace metals in the aquatic environments,
the distribution of which followed the sequence
Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd, Fe
> Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr > Cd and Fe > Zn >
Mn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd in Igbede, Ojo and Ojora
rivers respectively. Fe recorded the highest concentration
levels (1,582.95 ± 96.57 μg/g–1,910.34 ± 723.19
μg/g) in all the sediments investigated while the Cd
levels (0.06 ± 0.10 μg/g–0.47 ± 0.36 μg/g) were the
lowest. Expectedly, trace metal concentrations in fine
grain muddy sediments of the Igbede and Ojo coastline
were much higher than those of Ojora which consist
of coarse and sandy deposits covering the near shore
area. Generally, the results obtained fell within toler-able limits stipulated by World Health Organization
(WHO).
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