ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine
heavy metals concentration in sediment of upstream and downstream of the
entry of the sewage to the Orogodo River, Agbor, Delta state Nigeria .
Samples were collected from upstream and downstream and were analyzed
for Heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Ca, Mg, Co, Mn and Zn) by
atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It shows the concentration of iron,
cadmium, manganese, cobalt, chromium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, nickel,
lead and copper in mg/kg in sediments sampled.Some specific
physico-chemical characteristics, such as TDS, pH, Temperature and
conductivity which are known to influence the interactions and dynamics
of metals within the sediment. The mean value of the metals listed above
in all the six locations gave 126.09mg/kg, 0.000mg/kg, 0.538mg/kg,
0.000mg/kg, 0.141mg/kg, 1.789mg/kg, 1.258mg/kg, 9.49mg/kg, 0.000mg/kg,
0.112mg/kg and 0.0827mg/kg respectively.. The result of the analysis It
shown that the concentrations of heavy metal like Zn, Pb, Cr, Ca, Cu,
Co, Mg, Mn, Cd and Ni in the sediment are low, but require monitoring to
prevent an increase. Hence the concentration of Fe is higher when
compared with the WHO and FEPA standard for sediment which may
constitute risk to the environment. The concentration of heavy metal
varies for the different locations. Based on the result of analysis,
recommendation were offered to reduce the concentration of heavy metal
of the river.