Determination of the Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of Upper Segment of Qua Iboe River Along Ikot Ekpene District, South-South, Nigeria.

Student: Festus Olebebiowo Agu (Project, 2025)
Department of Biological Science(s)
AKWA-IBOM STATE POLYTECHNIC (IEI), IKOT-OSURUA, AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

This study on temporal distribution of trace elements in the sediments of upper
segment of Qua Iboe River along Ikot Ekpene District was carried out using standard
analytical methods. The study was carried out within the months of June and July,
2024. The result of the study revealed the following sequence of trace metal
concentrations in the sample obtained in June Zn >Ni>Pb>Cd>Cr while the trace
metal concentrations of the samples collected in July had the following sequence:
Zn>Pb>Ni>Cr>Cd. Trace metal in the sediment had higher concentration in June
compared to July except for Lead. Additionally, Pb, Cr and Cd were within the WHO
permissible limit while Ni and Zn exceeded the WHO permissible limit. Higher
metallic concentrations in the month of June, when rainfall is at its peak could be
attributed to heavy rainfall which must have caused erosions of elements released
from underlying rocks/soils, increased runoff from land environment with debris and
elemental doses, river channel, aggregate mining – all depositing metallic inputs in
the sediments load. Thus, Constant monitoring of the study area is advocated.
Deleterious changes in aquatic systems is common, even after safety status of thesystem is shown from this scientific analysis.

Keywords
determination distribution heavy metals sediments upper segment river along ekpene.
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