Evaluation of Heavy Metal Distribution in Sediments of Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Authors: Bawuro AA, Voegborlo RB, Adimado AA, Ahmed SD

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5805112

ABSTRACT

Monitoring of pollution level in Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State, Nigeria was conducted to assess concentration of metals (Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) in sediments of the lake. The order of the mean concentrations of the metals investigated were Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Zn and Cd were below the background concentration while Pb and Cu were slightly above. The results indicated that the metals exhibit lower values than sediment quality guideline (SQG). Thus, Lake Geriyo sediment can be classified as unpolluted. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DC) and pollution load index (PLI) were also used to evaluate the level of metal contamination in the sediments. Igeo values of the sediment with respect to Pb and Zn range from slightly contaminated to uncontaminated. EF values with respect to Cu and Pb indicate minimum enrichment depletion. CF values with respect to Cu and Pb indicate slight contamination while DC values indicate low degree of contamination and PLI values suggest that the sediments of lake Geriyo were unpolluted by these metals. The results show that the sediments did not present any serious threat to the aquatic life of the lake. However, there is need for regular monitoring of the lake as Pb is believed to be carcinogenic.

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