Seasonal Variations in Heavy Metal Content of Periwinkle Samples obtained from Oil Producing Communities within Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The effects of seasonal variations on the heavy metal content of periwinkle (Littorina littorea) were investigated. Samples were obtained from five stations within the oil producing communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The standard digestion method was used to determine the levels of zinc, lead, nickel, copper, cadmium and chromium with the aid of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). (Cadmium (0.216 – 0.727 ppm) and chromium (0.003 – 0.110 ppm) were significantly higher. Zinc, lead, nickel and copper were below the minimum permissible limits. Results obtained for chromium was significant at p(0.05) for the Pearson correlation coefficient. Oil production increases the concentration of heavy metals in water causing harmful to living and non-living resources. Further studies within the study area will assist in effective monitoring of the environment for sustainable development.