ASSESMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN WATER AND SEDIMENT OF MGBUODOHIA RIVER, OBIO\AKPOR LGA, RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
This study quantified concentrations of selected heavy metals lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in water and sediment from the Mgbuodohia River, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Water and sediment samples were collected at five sampling locations; in situ physicochemical parameters were recorded and metal concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Contamination status was evaluated using Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI), and results were compared with World Health Organization and national guideline values. Descriptive statistics characterized spatial patterns, and Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses examined relationships among metals and between matrices. Results indicated spatial heterogeneity, with midstream sites exhibiting relatively higher concentrations for some metals. Most measured concentrations in both water and sediment were within guideline limits; CF and Igeo classifications identified low to moderate contamination at isolated sites, and PLI values were generally below unity. Significant correlations among selected metal pairs and between sediment and water for certain metals suggested common anthropogenic sources and active sediment–water exchange processes. The findings provide a baseline dataset for the Mgbuodohia River and support recommendations for routine monitoring, targeted source control, and community awareness to protect ecosystem and public health.
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References
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