Evaluating the Concentration of Heavy Metals in River Water and Sediment Samples in Gashua Town, Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Yuguda U, Ibn Abubakar BSU, Jones AN, Ibrahim UA
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the concentration of some heavy metals such as Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), and Lead (Pd) in river water and sediment samples in Gashua town, Yobe State, Nigeria. An Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) machine was used to measure these concentrations during dry and wet seasons. The results show that As was not detected in any of the samples tested in both seasons. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr and Pd were 0.012 ± 0.008, 0.245 ± 0.027, 0.044 ± 0.012, and 0.070 ± 0.009 µg mL-1 respectively for dry season, and 0.076 ± 0.034, 0.257 ± 0.023, 0.055 ± 0.005, and 0.092 ± 0.022 µg mL-1 respectively for the wet season. The sediment samples also showed no trace of As while Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb concentration increased with depth. Among the metals, Cu and Pb were found to be highly concentrated in the sediment but lower than the WHO recommended values. Therefore, there is positive correlation between the sediments and water samples. It is evident that Gashua town could be exposed to the cumulative effects of elevated levels of heavy metals associated with agricultural activities and disposal of domestic sewage around the river. This research will be useful in the management and planning for the protection of this river water and sediment.
Affiliations: Department of Civil and Water Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
Keywords: Chronic, Kidney Disease, Heavy Metal, Allowable Limits, River Water, Sediment
Published date: 2020/06/30
