Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper

Vol 11, Issue 2, 2009; Page No.(253-256 )

HEAVY METAL POLLUTION STATUS OF A TROPICAL FRESHWATER LENTIC ECOSYSTEM, NIKE LAKE, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

C.D. NWANI C.G. EGWENIKE, UDE, E.F AND B.I. UNEKE

Abstract

The heavy metal (Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zi;), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) pollution status of a tropical fresh water len tic ecosystem, Nike Lake, South-East Nigeria was assessed from five different stations between March 2006 and February 2007 using Hach Br-300 Model atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results revealed that out of the 60 samples of water analysed, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Cr were detected in 45, 39, 29, 26 and 15 in concentrations ranging from 0.079 to 0.509, 0.010 to 0.0307, 0.002 to 0.016, 0.020 to 0.056 and 0.001 to 0.008 mg/L respectively. Pb was detected in 16 samples in the range 0.001 to 0.003 jig/L. Results obtained indicated that the concentrations of all the metals were within the WHO and FEPA prescribed limits for lentic water quality. These metal and the physicochemical parameters measured though did not significantly vary among the locations showed significant variation (P<0.05) between the seasons. The toxicological implications of this finding in relation to aquatic ecosystem and human health are discussed.

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