Abstract
Rivers in Nigeria are faced with increasing contamination of both solid and liquid wastes that enter the surrounding water bodies, and some of these are toxic pollutants that settle onto the riverbed (the ultimate sink of contaminants in the aquatic environment). These toxic pollutants are released into the aquatic environments and inadvertently pose serious public health risks and hazards. This study aims to assess the level of potentially toxic element in River Ogbere water in the city of Ibadan. A total of 12 surface water samples collected from River Ogbere in Ibadan during the dry and wet season of 2019 was analysed for pH, EC, Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Nickel (Ni). The pH was found in the alkaline range (7.40 - 7.83) while the conductance was obtained in the range of 236.67 - 353.3 μs/cm in both seasons. Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Ni were detected in all the samples in the range 0.10 - 5.44 mg/L, 3.20 - 5.03 mg/L, 0.12 - 1.27 mg/L, 0.03 - 0.51 mg/L, 0.03 - 0.68 mg/L, 0.01 - 0.75 mg/L and 0.01 - 0.03 mg/L in both seasons respectively, whereas Cd was detected only in 75% of the samples (0.00 - 0.07 mg/L). Overall seasonal variation was significant for Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, and Cr. The maximum mean concentration of Fe (5.44 mg/L), Mn (5.03 mg/L), Zn (1.27 mg/L), Cu (0.68 mg/L), Pb (0.75 mg/L) and Ni (0.03 mg/L) were all observed during the dry season. The heavy metals also varied with the change of sampling locations. The dominance of these toxic element in the surface water of River Ogbere followed the sequence: Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. The anthropogenic activities around the study area were observed to have increased the influx of toxic metals at both upstream and downstream sections of the river. In view of the high human activities along the river, River Ogbere appeared to have been polluted visibly. The constant water quality monitoring and development of River Ogbere safety plans is recommended.
Highlights
The input and accumulation of toxic pollutants from human activities are the main sources of metal distribution in the water phases of surface waters and as such, the control of these toxic substances is regarded as the best safety plan and management of surface water bodies
This study aims to assess the level of potentially toxic element in River Ogbere water in the city of Ibadan
The occurrence of enhanced concentration of toxic metals in the studied river was a clear indication of anthropogenic pollution from population increase and urbanization coupled with a lack of proper waste disposal systems
Summary
The input and accumulation of toxic pollutants from human activities are the main sources of metal distribution in the water phases of surface waters and as such, the control of these toxic substances is regarded as the best safety plan and management of surface water bodies. As toxic metals cannot be degraded, they are deposited, assimilated or incorporated in the water and its sediment These non-biodegradable metallic chemical elements have a relatively high density, toxicity at low concentrations, and tend to accumulate in the sediment of waterways in association with organic and inorganic matter in the sediment [3]. [4] Storelli claimed that toxic metals have a particular significance in eco-toxicology since they are highly persistent and all have the potential to be toxic to living organisms.
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