Enrichment Level and Distribution of Trace Elements in the Floodplain and River Sediments

Abstract

The concentrations of selected trace elements in the stream sediments and floodplain (top and bottom) sediments of the Ilesha area were studied, to assess the environmental status; distribution, sources, pollution level and possible human health risk of these elements. Twenty (20) stream sediments (ILS), eight (8) each for top floodplain (ILFPa) and bottom floodplain (ILFPb), were sampled and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma/Emission Spectroscopy (ICP/ES). The results showed that the mean relative abundance of elements was Mn> Zn >Pb> V > Cr > Cu > As >Sr> La > Ni > Co. The mean concentration in ppm of Cu (76.0), Pb (153.0), Zn (507.0), and As (37.0) among other elements in the stream sediments (ILS) were higher than the mean concentration of Cu (29.6), Pb (40.0) Zn (206.4), As (8.9) for floodplain top sediments (ILFPa) as well as lower concentration of Cu (52.0) Pb (150.9), Zn (395.4), in the floodplain bottom sediments (ILFPb), except for As (46.9) that recorded higher concentration than ILS and ILFPa. The relatively higher concentration of some of the trace elements in the geo media compared to the average shale concentration suggests some influence by anthropogenic sources. Results of the correlation coefficient, Bi-plot, Bipolar, and cluster analyses strongly support anthropogenic sources for majority of the elements. Pollution status assessment, using contamination factor (Cf), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Geo-accumulation Index (I-geo) suggests that many of the locations sampled have received considerable trace elements indicating moderate to heavily polluted status. The non regulations of human activities that resulted in high pollution load index in some of the area studied, might pose serious health challenge in the future.

Publication Info:

Author: Asowata, I.T.* and Adisa, A.L.

Volume: 59

Issue: March

Published By: Journal of Mining and Geology Vol. 59(1) 2023. pp. 1 - 17, 2023-03-01