Abstract
The results of the analysis were subjected to five (5) indices: contamination factor (CF); Ecological risk factor (Eri); Enrichment factor (EF); index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) and anthropogenic factor (AF). The CF results showed that the River PomPom dry and wet season sediments were collected in February and July respectively from 0cm to 10cm depth. Stainless steel spoon was used to collect the samples. The sediment samples were packaged, labeled and refrigerated for onward transportation to the laboratory. All samples were oven-dried (50oC) for about 24 hours, sieved through -80 mesh. About 1.0g of each sample was digested, filtered and the filtrates were ready for heavy metal analysis using Atomic sediments were most contaminated with Fe in both seasons, least contaminated with Cd at dry season and Zn in wet season. The Eri factor revealed pollution hazard level of middle during wet season and tiny in dry season. Pb and Ni showed strong and middle hazard level during wet season and Cu revealed middle level during dry season. The enrichment factor indicated extremely enriched for Fe in all locations in both seasons while most heavy metals showed depletion to minimal enrichment. The Igeo for both seasons showed that Fe was moderately to highly polluted in all locations. During dry season, other heavy metals showed moderately to unpolluted while in wet season Cd, Ni and Pb indicated moderately to very highly polluted. In both seasons, the % AF was very high for Fe, Cu, Pb. The AF% was very high for Ni and Cd in wet season. All sites in both seasons have experienced deterioration but more in the wet season. From these indices, the stream sediments have been significantly contaminated with Fe, Ni, Pb and Ni in most locations in both seasons.
Highlights
In 1963, the Geological Survey of Nigeria (GSN) commenced exploratory work on Itakpe iron ore
Metals are introduced into stream sediments from mining activities, run-off, atmospheric deposition, as well as upstream run-off accumulation into the sediments
The main objective of the study is to examine the metal concentrations in top sediments and evaluate the extent of heavy metal contamination arising from iron-ore mining related activities.This is because sediments are sensitive indicators for monitoring contaminants in aquatic environments
Summary
In 1963, the Geological Survey of Nigeria (GSN) commenced exploratory work on Itakpe iron ore. Sandwiched within this mine is River PomPom. Heavy metals are serious pollutants in natural environment due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation problems (Seshan et al, 2010). Metals are introduced into stream sediments from mining activities, run-off, atmospheric deposition, as well as upstream run-off accumulation into the sediments. Vol 6, No 1; 2017 metals and the extent to which sediments have been contaminated by metal-rich iron-ore mining activities (Periera et al, 2008). The main objective of the study is to examine the metal concentrations in top sediments and evaluate the extent of heavy metal contamination arising from iron-ore mining related activities.This is because sediments are sensitive indicators for monitoring contaminants in aquatic environments. All analyses were carried out in the Faculty of Agriculture Laboratory, Kogi State University, Nigeria
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
