A comparative study of elements relationship in sediment of Anambra Drainage Basin in wet and dry season and its sustainable management

Abstract

This research is aimed at examining geo-chemistry of stream sediment in the Anambra Drainage Basin. Twelve sediment samples were collected using sediment grab from the six sub basins and analyzed for 21 parameters in the wet and dry season. The selected 21 parameters are -clay, silt, fine sand, coarse sand, pH/H2O, KCL, carbon, organic matter, nitrates, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, aluminum, hydrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and iron. There was a significant relationship (r=>.661, p<0.05) between variables-base saturation and potassium chloride; organic matter and carbon; nitrates and clay; hydrogen and pH/H2O; fine sand and clay; manganese and fine sand; hydrogen and potassium chloride; manganese and CEC; coarse sand and silt; calcium and fine sand together with manganese and coarse sand. The sources of sediment were from natural and artificial origin. The basin requires management to ensure its sustainability.