Heavy Metal Contamination in Water and Sediments of the Gongola River Complex, Nigeria: A Seasonal and Spatial Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56532/mjsat.v6i2.655Keywords:
Heavy metals, Gongola River, Water pollution, Sediments contamination, AAS, Almakashi and Gwani CorridorAbstract
Heavy metal contamination poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems globally. This study investigates the presence and seasonal variations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Fe, Cu, As, Mn) in water and sediment samples from two anthropogenically impacted corridors (Almakashi and Gwani) of the Gongola River, Nigeria, using Balanga Dam as a reference site. Water and sediment samples were collected over a 12-month period covering dry and wet seasons and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results indicate that while most metal concentrations in water and sediments were within permissible limits set by NESREA and WHO, spatial and seasonal variations were significant. Almakashi corridor exhibited the highest mean concentrations for most metals in water, notably Cd (5.07 µg/L) and Ni (9.10 µg/L), while the highest Fe concentration (50.57 µg/L) was found at Balanga Dam. Sediment analysis revealed higher accumulations of Ni, As, and Mn in the river corridors compared to the dam, with concentrations peaking during the dry season. Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) confirmed significant differences in contamination levels between the reference dam and the river corridors. The study concludes that despite current levels being largely sub-threshold, the elevated metal concentrations in Almakashi and Gwani signal growing anthropogenic pressure, necessitating continuous monitoring and preemptive integrated water resource management strategies.
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