ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN SEDIMENT OF IBI RIVER NIGERIA AFFECTED BY VARIOUS ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES
Keywords:
Pollution assessment, Heavy metals, Vulnerability Index, Ecological Risk, IbiAbstract
Ecological risk assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediment of Ibi River Nigeria affected by various anthropogenic activities was studied in August 2024. The objectives were to; characterize the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals in the sediments of the river, assess the pollution status and the ecological risk, and identify possible sources of heavy metal pollution in the river. Four (4) sampling stations were selected. Sediment samples were taken from each sampling location using Van Veen grab. Physico-chemical parameters of each sampling station was also taken. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant differences in heavy metal content of the sample types. One-way ANOVA was used for mean metal level comparisons at 95% level of significance. The results showed that the degree of contamination for the individual metal is within the range of 0.9863 - 1.5650. The degree of contamination data signifies anthropogenic impact in all the sampling stations. Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Zn, Ni and Mn) in the river have low risk index. The mean concentration of the measured elements in the river was Fe>Ni>Pb>Zn>Mn>Cu>Cr>Cd, with mean values in descending order of 21.20 mgkg-1, 1.50 mgkg-1, 1.42 mgkg-1, 1.20 mgkg-1, 0.75 mgkg-1, 0.32 mgkg-1, 0.27 mgkg-1 and 0.03 mgkg-1 respectively. Among the selected heavy metals, Fe presents very high ecological risk and should be carefully monitored and remediated. Other heavy metals incur limited, if any, pollution according to the risk assessment. The study therefore recommends that the framework for mandatory action should be initiated for regular assessment of River Benue at Ibi to ensure conservation of the biota therein. There should be strict regulations to control the dumping of chemical contaminants into the river with enforcement of penalties imposed on defaulters, and enlightenment programs for the public on the dangers of Ibi river pollution are very necessary
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