Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Sediments of River Ethiope, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study presents concentration levels of Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr. Cd Ni, V and Pb in sediments of River Ethiope. The levels fell within the following ranges (mgkg-1), 0.21-0.46 for Mn, 0.84-2.24 for Zn, 0.34-0.60 for Cu, 0.00- 0.11 for Cd, 0.005-0.49 for Ni, 0.00-0.05 for V and 0.27— 0.72 for Pb. Cr was not detected in any of the samples. The observed concentrations of the metals are mainly due to anthropogenic effects. There seems to be no imminent danger to the living organisms in the environment since the low levels observed do not pose any environmental contamination risk. Three correlation levels were observed. In group 1, Cr, Zn, Ni and V strongly correlated with each other. In group 2, Fe, Zn; Mn. Cu and Ni displayed positive correlation at different levels with each other while in group 3, Pb and Cd did not correlate with any of the metals. The levels reported have an abundance ratio in order Zn> Pb > Cu > Mn > Ni > Cr.