ABSTRACT

This research was carried out on the determination of the physico-chemical parameters of water and heavy metal concentration in sediments, fish and water. Water, sediment and fish samples were obtained during the dry season (December) from five sampling stationschosen within the major settlement area in Ibeno. The water samples were analysed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Mn, Go, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Hg). The sediments and fish samples were also analysed for heavy metals, which included nickel, chromium, manganese, cobalt, cadmium, iron, zinc, copper and lead. The result of the analysis for both physicochemical parameters and heavy metals were compared with standards given by FEPA and other bodies. The results of the analysis shows that the mean concentration of nickel, iron, lead, pH, ammonium chloride and salinity of the water was higher than the limits set by WHO, FEPA and DPR for fresh water such as Qua boe River. The concentration of heavy metals was generally higher in sediment and fish compared to their respective concentration in the water, which indicated that sediment and fish act as a reservoir for heavy metals more than water. Consequently, the river was said to be polluted with respect to some heavy metals and some physico-chemical parameters and the associated health impact of these pollutants were highlighted. Comparison of the mean concentration of heavy metals in sediment/fish, sediment/water and fish/water did not give any significant difference and the data were also observed to correlate in most cases.