Distribution of heavy metals in sediments of Igbede, Ojo and Ojora rivers of Lagos, Nigeria

Adekoya, J. A. (2006) Distribution of heavy metals in sediments of Igbede, Ojo and Ojora rivers of Lagos, Nigeria. Environmentalist, 26 (4). pp. 277-280.

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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 μ g–1,910.34 ± 723.19 μ g/g) in all the sediments investigated while the Cd levels (0.06 ± 0.10 μ g/g–0.47 ± 0.36 μ g/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 tolerable limits stipulated by World Health Organization (WHO).

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Chemistry
Depositing User:	Dr Joseph Adeyemi Adekoya
Date Deposited:	15 Apr 2015 08:11
Last Modified:	15 Apr 2015 08:11
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/4833

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