Abstract
The accumulation of heavy metals in water and sediment of Ekpan Creek has increased significantly from previously reported concentrations. The present study was designed to assess the levels of heavy metals in surface water and sediment in the Creek using scientifically recommended procedures for seven (7) heavy metals levels of Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Maganese (Mn). The concentrations of these metals were determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS) metal scanning respectively. Their order of prevalence in water was Fe>Zn>Mn>Cd>Pb>Cu>Cr, while sediment was Fe>Cu>Mn>Cr>Pb>Zn>Cd. Fe and Cu recorded worrisome levels above regulatory limits in some stations. This requires urgent efforts to monitor the sources of heavy metals to the river, their bioaccumulation in icthyofauna of the river and public health risk assessment.
Highlights
The daily accumulation of heavy metals in the environment has increased significantly due to increasing anthropogenic activities; pollution of aquatic water bodies
The present study was designed to assess the levels of heavy metals in surface water and sediment in the Creek using scientifically recommended procedures for seven (7) heavy metals levels of Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Maganese (Mn)
Metals are present naturally in trace amount in freshwaters from the weathering of rocks and soils, they become toxic when a particular level is reached. Essential metals such as, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Iron and Nickel, when present in trace concentrations are important for the physiological functions of living tissues and regulate many biochemical processes [1,2], but can become toxic as non-essential heavy metals when they are in excess amounts
Summary
The daily accumulation of heavy metals in the environment ( coastal waters) has increased significantly due to increasing anthropogenic activities; pollution of aquatic water bodies. The most worrisome is the anthropogenic releases from industrial and domestic wastewater sources, the burning of fossil fuels, land run-off, oil spill, gas leaks, blow outs, canalization and discharge from oil and gas operations into surface water bodies or release from industrial operations such as mining, canning and electroplating. Damages caused by these activities are enormous which includes changes in water quality, loss of flora and important icthyofauna of water bodies, health and ecological risk when bio-accumulated to the life supporting functions and ecosystem services they provide. The focus of the study was to assess the heavy metals concentrations in water and sediment of the creek by estimating mean values of metals in the stations as expressions of seasonal variation
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