Assessment of heavy metal load of Owah-Abbi (Ethiope) river, Delta state, Nigeria

P. Omuku, A. K. Asiagwu, A. J. Chinweuba and P. A. C. Okoye

Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, (Nigeria).

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ABSTRACT:

Total concentrations of lead, cadmium, chromium, zinc and copper in the sediments from Owah-Abbi stream, Delta State were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Metal bioaccumulation studies in Tilapia and catfish were also carried out. The total heavy metal load of the stream (water) was also investigated. The trend in the concentrations of the metals investigated was Cu>Pb>Zn>Cd>Cr in Tilapia while that of catfish was similar with a subtle difference (Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd>Cr). The prevailing levels for the metals in the stream sediments were 2.63, 1.68, 2.34, 6.64 and 1.57mg/g for Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn and Cu respectively. The water sample gave concentrations of 0.72, 0.03, 0.36, 1.27 and 0.37mg/dm3 for Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Cu respectively. The elevated lead concentrations in samples is an indication of lead pollution of Owah-Abbi river.

KEYWORDS:

Heavy metal load; rivers; Nigeria