Trace Metals In Surface Sediments Research Articles

Fractionation and ecological risk assessment of trace metals in surface sediment from the Huaihe River, Anhui, China

The Huaihe River has suffered increasing pressure from pollutants including metals from anthropogenic activities. In this study, enrichment and fractionation behavior of trace metals were analyzed in sediment samples obtained from fish spawning area of the Huaihe River (Anhui Section) to evaluate the potential ecological risk of trace metals to aquatic organisms. Geochemical indices including enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index as well as mean probable effect concentration quotient and risk assessment code were adopted to assess the contamination degree and potential ecological toxicity. Results showed that the total contents of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg in sediment were 23.1 ± 6.4, 32.3 ± 11.1, 76.8 ± 14.2, 84.6 ± 17.2, 0.2 ± 0.1, 9.0 ± 3.0, and 0.031 ± 0.010 mg/kg, respectively. The indexes EF and Igeo revealed slight accumulation for Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, and As in some sampling sites. The result of Qm-PEC demonstrated that trace metals in sediment were not toxic to aquatic organisms. Most trace metals appeared to mainly associate with the residual form suggesting lower mobility whereas Cd presented a relative higher exchangeable fraction indicating a great degree of bioavailability. The result of risk assessment code (RAC) evaluation revealed that Cd poses a medium ecological risk for aquatic organisms whereas most of the other trace metals pose low risks.

Distribution and ecological risk assessment of trace metals in surface sediments from Akaki River catchment and Aba Samuel reservoir, Central Ethiopia

BackgroundDue to fast urban expansion and increased industrial activities, large quantities of solid and liquid wastes contaminated by trace metals are released into the environment of the Addis Ababa city, most often untreated. This study was conducted to investigate spatial distribution, seasonal variations and ecological risk assessment of selected trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni and Zn) in the surface sediments from Akaki River catchment and Aba Samuel reservoir, Central Ethiopia.MethodsTwenty-two surface sediment samples were collected, digested using the Mehlich-3 procedure and analyzed quantitatively using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer.ResultsThe trace metals occurred in varying concentrations along the course of the sampling stations. The decreasing order of trace metal concentrations in the dry season was: Mn > Fe > Pb > Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cd and in the rainy season was Mn > Fe > Pb > Cr > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cd. Little Akaki River contained a higher load of trace metals than the other regions, which is due to the existence of most of the industrial establishments and commercial activities. Relatively lower levels of trace metals were recorded at Aba Samuel reservoir due to the lower residence time of the sediment (reservoir rehabilitated recently). Ecological risk assessment using USEPA sediment guidelines, geo-accumulation index, contamination factor and pollution load index revealed the widespread pollution by Cd and Pb. These were followed by Mn, Ni and Zn.ConclusionThe concentrations of Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni and Zn in sediments were relatively greater and at levels that may have adverse biological effects to the surrounding biota. Therefore, regular monitoring of these pollutants in water, sediment and biota would be required.

Influence of submarine hydrothermalism on sulfur and metal accumulation in surface sediments in the Kueishantao venting field off northeastern Taiwan

The distribution and accumulation of sulfur and trace metals in surface sediments in the submarine hydrothermal field of Kueishantao islet off northeastern Taiwan were investigated. The discharge of fluid from yellow vents and certain white vents had high concentrations of dissolved hydrogen sulfide (280–3742 μM) and trace metals (i.e. Al: 4.40–210 μM; Fe: 0.024–17.6 mM; Mn: 0.0002–12.8 mM; Ni: 4.82–54.9 nM; Zn: 0.002–2.32 μM) which resulted in sediments with varying sulfur and metal contents, and might have an impact on the benthic ecosystem of the venting field. The total concentration of trace metals in surface sediments was lower at stations close to vents (Fe: 440–1233 mg kg− 1; Mn: 2.31–35.7 mg kg− 1; Zn: 1.69–12.3 mg kg− 1) than at those located more distantly (Fe:9.30–49.29 g kg− 1; Mn: 318–1489 mg kg− 1; Zn: 43.6–226 mg kg− 1) largely because of the effects of coarse particles, high total sulfur (TS), and low total organic carbon. The Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) ratio, which is an indicator of hydrothermalism, increased with distance from the hydrothermal vents and was inversely related to the variations in TS content and the Fe/Al ratio. Additionally, the Fe/Mn ratio decreased significantly with distance from the hydrothermal vents, as a result of the preferential deposition of Fe over Mn in sediments with distance. Such distribution patterns and the close relationships between Fe and other trace metals clearly reflect the natural processes as well as fates of sulfur and trace metals after discharge from hydrothermal vents. Enrichment factors of the trace metals were elevated (> 1) at those stations influenced significantly by hydrothermal activity. Factor analyses for geochemical parameters and sampling locations strongly indicate the influence of hydrothermal activity on sulfur and metal distribution and accumulation in the study area.

통영연안 표층퇴적물에서의 유기물과 미량금속 분포 특성 및 생태위해성 평가

통영연안 표층퇴적물에서의 유기물과 미량금속 분포 특성 및 생태위해성 평가

Assessment of trace metal and rare earth elements contamination in rivers around abandoned and active mine areas. The case of Lubumbashi River and Tshamilemba Canal, Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Active and abandoned mine activities constitute the sources of deterioration of water and soil quality in many parts of the world, particularly in the African Copperbelt regions. The accumulation in soils and the release of toxic substances into the aquatic ecosystem can lead to water resources pollution and may place aquatic organisms and human health at risk. In this study, the impact of past mining activity (i.e., abandoned mine) on aquatic ecosystems has been studied using ICP-MS analysis for trace metals and Rare Earth Elements (REE) in sediment samples from Lubumbashi River (RL) and Tshamilemba Canal (CT), Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Soil samples from surrounding CT were collected to evaluate trace metal and REE concentrations and their spatial distribution. The extent of trace metal contamination compared to the background area was assessed by Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). Additionally, the trace metal concentrations probable effect levels (PELs) for their potential environmental impact was achieved by comparing the trace metal concentrations in the sediment/soil samples with the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). Spearman's Rank-order correlation was used to identify the source and origin of contaminants. The results highlighted high concentrations of trace metals in surface sediments of CT reaching the values of 40152, 15586, 610, 10322, 60704 and 15152mgkg−1 for Cu, Co, Zn, Pb, Fe and Mn, respectively. In the RL, the concentrations reached the values of 24093, 2046, 5463, 3340, 68290 and 769mgkg−1 for Cu, Co, Zn, Pb, Fe and Mn, respectively. The ΣREE varied from 66 to 218 and 142–331mgkg−1 for CT and RL, respectively. The soil samples are characterized by variable levels of trace metals. The EF analysis showed “extremely severe enrichment” for Cu and Co. However, no enrichment was observed for REE. Except for Mo, Th, U, Eu, Mo, Ho and Tm for which Igeo is classified as “moderately polluted and/or unpolluted”, all elements in different sites are classified in the class 6, “extremely polluted”. The trace metal concentrations in all sampling sites largely exceeded the SQGs and the PELs for the Protection of Aquatic Life recommendation. Cu and Co had positive correlation coefficient values (r=0.741, P<0.05, n=14). This research presents useful tools for the evaluation of water contamination in abandoned and active mining areas.

On the bioavailability of trace metals in surface sediments: a combined geochemical and biological approach.

The bioavailability of metals was estimated in three river sediments (Sensée, Scarpe, and Deûle Rivers) impacted by different levels of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn (Northern France). For that, a combination of geochemistry and biological responses (bacteria and chironomids) was used. The results obtained illustrate the complexity of the notion of "bioavailability." Indeed, geochemical indexes suggested a low toxicity, even in surface sediments with high concentrations of total metals and a predicted severe effect levels for the organisms. This was also suggested by the abundance of total bacteria as determined by DAPI counts, with high bacterial cell numbers even in contaminated areas. However, a fraction of metals may be bioavailable as it was shown for chironomid larvae which were able to accumulate an important quantity of metals in surface sediments within just a few days.We concluded that (1) the best approach to estimate bioavailability in the selected sediments is a combination of geochemical and biological approaches and that (2) the sediments in the Deûle and Scarpe Rivers are highly contaminated and may impact bacterial populations but also benthic invertebrates.

Spatial Distribution and Toxic Potency of Trace Metals in Surface Sediments of the Seine Estuary (France)

Due to very high anthropogenic pressures and urban waste discharge, the Seine estuary is still among the world's most polluted estuaries. The purpose of this work is to investigate the distribution of trace metals in surface sediments in order to assess to the contamination level, metal bioavailability, and ecotoxicological status. Five sites covering the salinity gradient of the estuary were chosen to evaluate the distribution and contamination level of trace metals in surface sediments. The results showed that trace metal concentration varied seasonally and spatially. Subsequently to assess the actual environmental toxicity of sediments, the Microtox® Bioassay using Vibrio fischeri was applied on aqueous extract of sediment. Calculated enrichment factors revealed that these sediments were highly polluted by mercury, cadmium, zinc, and lead. Most of pollution sources are localized upstream especially in Poses and Oissel, and the contamination levels decreased from Poses to north mudflat site. Positive values of toxicity index were detected in the upstream sediments indicating potential bioavailability of trace metals in the sediments. Sediment toxicity measured with the Microtox® test was positively correlated with toxicity index demonstrating the usefulness of the toxicity index for sediment quality assessment and possible implication of metals in sediment toxicity.

Trace metal contamination in surface sediments of intertidal zone from Qinhuangdao, China, revealed by geochemical and magnetic approaches: Distribution, sources, and health risk assessment

Based on geochemical and magnetic approaches, the distribution, sources, and health risk of trace metals in surface sediments from a seashore tourist city were investigated. A significant correlation was found between magnetic susceptibility (χ) and trace metals, which suggested that levels of trace metals in the sediments can be effectively depicted by the magnetic approach. The spatial distribution of χ and trace metals matched well with the city layout with relatively higher values being found in the port and busy tourist areas. This result, together with enrichment factors (EFs) and Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI) of metals, suggested that the influence of human activities on the coastal environment was noticeable. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that trace metals in the sediments were derived from both anthropogenic and natural sources. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment showed that there was no potential health risk of exposure to metals by means of ingestion or inhalation.

Environmental and Ecological Risk Assessment of Trace Metal Contamination in Mangrove Ecosystems: A Case from Zhangjiangkou Mangrove National Nature Reserve, China.

Zhangjiangkou Mangrove National Nature Reserve is a subtropical wetland ecosystem in southeast coast of China, which is of dense population and rapid development. The concentrations, sources, and pollution assessment of trace metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, As, and Hg) in surface sediment from 29 sites and the biota specimen were investigated for better ecological risk assessment and environmental management. The ranges of trace metals in mg/kg sediment were as follows: Cu (10.79–26.66), Cd (0.03–0.19), Pb (36.71–59.86), Cr (9.67–134.51), Zn (119.69–157.84), As (15.65–31.60), and Hg (0.00–0.08). The sequences of the bioaccumulation of studied metals are Zn > Cu > As > Cr > Pb > Cd > Hg with few exceptions. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis revealed that the trace metals in the studied area mainly derived from anthropogenic activities, such as industrial effluents, agricultural waste, and domestic sewage. Pollution load index and geoaccumulation index were calculated for trace metals in surface sediments, which indicated unpolluted status in general except Pb, Cr, and As.

울산-온산연안 표층퇴적물 내 미량금속 오염도 및 생태위해성 평가

완전산분해법과 단일시약(1 M HCl) 추출법을 이용하여 울산-온산연안 표층퇴적물 내 미량금속의 오염도 및 생태위해성을 평가하였다. 표층퇴적물 내 미량금속 중 Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Hg의 농도는 울산연안에 비해 온산연안에서 2배 이상 높게 나타났다. 단일시약 추출 분석 결과, Cd과 Pb은 총함량 중 가용성부분의 평균 함량이 각각 72%, 78%로 인위적 기원에 의해서 주로 공급되는 것으로 나타난 반면, Cr, Li, Ni, As는 잔류성부분에서 평균 80% 이상 존재하여 주로 자연적 기원의 영향을 받는 것으로 나타났다. 국내 해저퇴적물 해양환경기준과 비교한 결과, Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg의 총농도는 온산연안 일부 정점에서 관리기준을 초과하였으며, Cr, Ni은 모든 정점에서 주의기준 이하였다. 미량금속의 오염도 및 생태위해성을 다양한 지수(EF, ISUBgeo/SUB, m-PEL-Q, ERI)로 평가한 결과, 울산-온산연안에서 미량금속 중 Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Hg의 오염도가 높았으며, 생태계에 잠재적 위해성은 Cd과 Hg이 가장 큰 것으로 나타났다.

Trace metal concentrations in tropical mangrove sediments, NE Brazil

Sediment cores were taken from the mangroves of the Coreaú River estuary off the northeast coast of Brazil. They were analyzed for grain size, CaCO3, organic matter, and trace metal (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Al, and Fe) contents. Mud texture was the predominant texture. Levels of trace metals in surface sediments indicated strong influence of anthropogenic processes, and diagenetic processes controlled the trace metal enrichment of core sediments of this estuary. The positive relationships between trace metals and Al and Fe indicate that Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations are associated mainly with Al and Fe oxy-hydroxides and have natural sources.

Assessment of trace metal contamination level and toxicity in sediments from coastal regions of West Bengal, eastern part of India

The work investigated concentration of trace metals in surface sediments (0-10 cm; < 63 μm grain size) from 15 sampling sites of diverse environmental stresses covering Hugli River Estuary (HRE) and Sundarban Mangrove Wetland (SMW), eastern coastal part of India. The trace metal concentrations in sediments exhibited an overall decreasing trend as follows: Cr (21.2-60.9)>Cu (11.60-102.47)>Ni (19.10-52.60)>Pb (7.09-183.88)>As (4.41-11.46)>Cd (0.02-4.4)>Ag (0.02-0.87). Both the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) values revealed significant pollution by Ag, Cd and Pb at Nurpur of HRE. Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) (61.21 ± 112.40) showed wide range of variations from low (19.76) to serious (463.20) ecological risk. A positive significant correlation was found between metals and organic carbon in sediments. The ecological risk associated with the trace metals in sediment was considered on the consensus based Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). The work suggests that the trace metals present in sediments posed adverse effects on the sediment-dwelling organisms.

남해안 패류양식해역(여자만과 강진만)의 퇴적물내 미량금속 분포특성 및 오염도 평가

남해안 패류양식해역(여자만과 강진만)의 퇴적물내 미량금속 분포특성 및 오염도 평가

Trace metals in surface sediments of the Taiwan Strait: geochemical characteristics and environmental indication

The concentration and geochemical fractionation of six trace metals related with environmental quality assessment, namely Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, in 30 surface sediments from both inshore and offshore areas of the Taiwan Strait were measured to investigate their distribution characteristics, evaluate their potential mobility, and assess their pollution status. The geoaccumulation index results indicated that, on average, the studied metals presented an order of Cd > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cr and were practically in uncontaminated status except Cd. The results of the sequential extraction analysis indicated that, on average, the studied metals were mostly accumulated in residual fraction except Cd whose concentration was the highest in the acid soluble fraction presenting a high risk to the environment, and their mobility decreased in the sequence of Cd > Pb > Ni > Cu > Zn > Cr. Based on the mean probable effect level quotients, the combination of the studied metals had an 8% probability of being toxic at two sampling sites and had a 21% probability of being toxic at the rest of sites. The spatial distribution of the studied metals in total concentrations and different geochemical fractions corroborated the previous findings about the possible sediment transportation routes in and around the Taiwan Strait.

Deposition of trace metals in sediments of the deltaic plain and adjacent coastal area (the Neretva River, Adriatic Sea)

The deposition and distribution of trace metals in surface sediments of the karstic, microtidal and low-wave energy environment of the Neretva River delta and the adjacent coastal region were investigated. These processes were studied in relation to the sedimentological characteristics of the deposits, their surface physico-chemical properties, i.e., specific surface area (SSA) and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and the content, characteristics and origin of sedimentary organic matter (SOM). The results indicate two principal mechanisms governing the spatial distribution of trace metals in the delta plain and adjacent marine surface sediments. Firstly, the presence of SOM in the delta plain freshwater sediments exerts a significant effect on their surface properties, thus influencing the distribution of trace metals, particularly Cd. In the Neretva Channel, the highest share of the terrestrial component of SOM (estimated from δ13C values of organic carbon) was found in the proximity of the river mouth. This coincides with the markedly elevated concentrations of Pb, Cu and Cd, indicating their association with organic substances of terrestrial origin. Secondly, the spatial distributions of Ni, Co and Zn in the surface marine sediments of the Neretva Channel are closely related to the sedimentation dynamics and deposition pattern of the river-borne fine-grained particles. The strong correlation between the concentrations of Ni, Co and Zn and the content of Al, Fe and Mn indicates their binding on Mn and Fe oxide and oxyhydroxide coatings at the clay mineral surfaces. The results indicate a low level of anthropogenic metal contamination in the investigated area.

Sediment properties and trace metal pollution assessment in surface sediments of the Laizhou Bay, China.

Spatial distribution, ecological risk, pollutant source, and transportation of trace metals in surface sediments, as well as the sediment properties, were analyzed in this study to assess the pollution status of trace metal in the Laizhou Bay, China. Results of provenance analyses indicate that surface sediments were primarily from weathering products carried by the surrounding short rivers and partially from loess matters carried by the Yellow River. Variations of trace metal concentrations were mostly controlled by the accumulation of weathering products, organic matters, and the hydrodynamics. Geoaccumulation index suggests that no Cr pollution occurred in the study area, and Cu, Pb, and Zn pollutions appeared only at a few stations. Comparatively, Cd and As pollutions were at noticeably weak to moderate level at many stations. The combination of six trace metals in this study had a 21% probability of being toxic in our study area based on sediment quality guidelines. Enrichment factors (EFs) and statistical analyses indicate that Cu, Pb, and Zn were primarily derived from the natural process of weathering. By contrast, Cd, As, and Cr (especially Cd and As) were provided by the anthropogenic activities to a large extent. Due to the dilution of coarse-grained sediments, there was even no contamination at some of stations that were obviously influenced by humans. Based on the current study of transportation process of fine-grained sediments in combination with the spatial distribution of EFs, it is found that the migration of anthropogenic trace metals was mainly controlled by the tide in the Laizhou Bay. The study suggests that an effective strategies and remedial measures should be designed and undertaken to prevent further anthropogenic Cd and As pollutions in this area in the future.

Spatial distribution and pollution assessment of trace metals in surface sediments of Ziqlab Reservoir, Jordan.

Surface sediment samples were collected from Ziqlab dam in northwestern Jordan to investigate the spatial distribution of selected trace metals and assess their pollution levels. The results showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn exceeded the environmental background values. Cd, Ni, and Cr contents were higher than the threshold effect level (TEL) in 63, 83, and 60 % of the reservoir sediments, respectively; whereas Pb, Zn, and Cu were less than the TEL limit. The concentrations of trace metals in reservoir sediment varied spatially, but their variations showed similar trends. Elevated levels of metals observed in the western part (adjacent to the dam wall) were coincided with higher contents of clay-silt fraction and total organic matters. Multivariate analysis indicated that Pb, Co, and Mn may be related to the lithologic component and/or the application of agrochemicals in the upstream agricultural farms. However, Cd and Zn concentrations were probably elevated due to inputs from agricultural sources, including fertilizers. Evaluation of contamination levels by the Sediment Quality Guidelines of the US-EPA, revealed that sediments were non-polluted to moderately polluted with Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cr, but non-polluted to moderately to heavily polluted with Ni and non-polluted with Mn. The geoaccumulation index showed that Ziqlab sediments were unpolluted with Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co, and Mn, but unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cd. The high enrichment values for Cd and Pb (>2) indicate their anthropogenic sources, whereas the remaining elements were of natural origins consistent with their low enrichment levels.

Distribution, Sources, and Possible Adverse Biological Effects of Trace Metals in Surface Sediments of a Tropical Estuary

Metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, and Fe) contamination in sediments from a tropical estuary (Ébrié Lagoon, Ivory Coast) was assessed using pollution indices, multivariate analyses and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The results demonstrate that increased input of the studied metals occurred over the past 6 years compared to that from 20 years ago, due to rapid population growth, along with the increase of industrial and agricultural activities in the vicinity of the estuary. Ébrié Lagoon was also found to be one of the most contaminated tropical coastal estuaries. Very high average total organic carbon (TOC) content was found (1.9–3.70%) with significant spatial variation as a result of the influence of anthropogenic activities. This study also found that TOC plays an important role in the distribution of Cu, Zn, Co, and Cd in the Ébrié Lagoon sediments. Moderate to high sediment contamination was observed for Cd and Cu, moderate contamination was observed for Zn and Pb, while low contamination was observed for Ni, Co, and Fe. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) investigation revealed that Cu, Zn, Cd, and Co result mainly from anthropogenic sources while Pb, Ni, and Fe may be of natural origin. The pollution-loading index (PLI) indicated that all of the sites close to wastewater discharges were highly polluted. The sediments are likely to be an occasional threat to aquatic organisms due to Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni contents, based on the SQGs approach.

Speciation study of trace elements in surface sediment of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, by sequential extraction, aqua-regia acid digestion, and ICP-OES

The speciation of trace metals in surface sediment in Kisumu Carwash area of Winam Gulf, was studied and results compared with those found at Usoma beach which was found to be several orders of magnitude less polluted. High proportions of the metals were bioavailable (fractions 1–6) with BA% ranging from 21.7% (Al) to 94.5% (Pb) at Carwash and 19.6% (Al) to ∼100% (for Cd and Pb) at Usoma beach. The readily mobilizable fraction (fractions 1–4) decreased in the order: Pb > Mn > Sn > Cu > Co > Zn > Mg > Cd > Mo > Ni > Cr > Fe > Al at Carwash and Mn > Mo > Sn > Pb > Cd > Mg > Cu > Zn > Co > Ni > Fe > Cr > Al at Usoma beach. The total Zn, Cd, Cr, and Cu sediment concentrations at Carwash were higher than the threshold effect concentrations (TECs), although their bioavailable concentrations were lower than these limits. Both the total and bioavailable concentrations of Pb in surface sediment at Kisumu Carwash area were higher than the TEC threshold limit indicating significant contamination from this heavy metal. Although there was a general good agreement on data obtained by sequential extraction as compared with those obtained by direct aqua-regia digestion, there were large discrepancies for some specific metal analytes which could be accounted for in terms of analytical variations and lack of uniformity in physical and chemical composition of the sediment samples analyzed.

Levels of Trace Metals in surface Sediments from Kalabari Creeks, Rivers State, Nigeria

The study investigated the levels of six trace metals V, Cu, Pb, Cd, Fe and Ni in surface sediment of Kalabari creeks. Surface sediments of about 0-2cm depth were collected from June 2009 to April 2010 at two months interval to cover the rainy and dry seasons. Bulk scientific atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) model 200A was used to analyze the samples. The results obtained revealed that the mean levels of the metal occurred in the order Fe &gt; Ni &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt;V = Cd, which were 4,767.06 ± 076.5mg/kg, 20.90 ± 10.47mg/kg, 14.67 ± 12.03mg/kg, 1.63 ± 1.16mg/kg respectively. Vanadium and cadmium were below detection limit (BDL) &lt;0.001 in all the samples. The overall mean levels of trace metal in sediment in the rainy season was in the order Fe &gt; Ni &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Cd = V, while in the dry season, the order was Fe &gt; Cu &gt;Ni &gt; Pb &gt; Cd = V. The results obtained agreed with WHO and FEPA now Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) set standard for sediment.Keywords: Kalabari creeks, surface sediment, anthropogenic, trace metals, domestic effluent.