Physico-Chemical Properties of Sediments from Some Water Sources in Buea, Southwest Cameroon: Ecotoxicological Implications

Abstract

Sediments form a natural buffer and filter system in the material cycles of waters. They qualify total ecosystem of a body of water because they reflect the long-term quality situation as well as current inputs. This study aimed at assessing the physico-chemical properties of sediments from some water sources in Buea, following varied anthropogenic activities and their ecotoxicological implications. Water and sediment samples were collected following standard procedures. Spatial variations in these parameters were observed. Comparing the mean heavy metal concentration in water across the categories, DW had the highest concentration for Cu (0.19 mg/L). MW and DW had the highest concentration for Zn with 0.25 mg/L each. Pb was highest in MW category (0.26 mg/L) and CM had the highest Cd concentration (0.30 mg/L). Mean heavy metal concentration of sediments across the categories showed that Cu, Zn and Pb were highest in DW category (0.89 mg/kg, 1.41mg/kg and 1.41 mg/kg respectively), while Cd was highest in CM with a value of 7.78 mg/kg. The presence of the metals in both water and sediments are explained by anthropogenic inputs as well as the other physico-chemical properties of the sediments including pH and particle size. These systems present potential threat to life along the food chain, necessitating protection measures. Keywords: Physico-chemical properties, sediments, water sources, Buea, Ecotoxicological implications DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-4-05 Publication date: April 30 th 2022