DETERMINATION OF THE CONCENTRATIONS OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND TRACE METALS IN THE NEW CALABAR RIVER

Abstract

The concentration of trace metals in the surface water and sediments collected during the dry season at three different locations from the New Calabar river Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria were determined using AAS and the physicochemical parameters were analyzed with standard methods for their corresponding mean values in the surface water and sediment samples, the heavy metals in the surface water was Cu > Zn >Pb> Cr >Ni > Cd and in the sediment Zn > Cu > Cr >Pb> Cd. These results obtained were compared to the given standards by (NESREA) and guidelines of (WHO). It was observed that the result obtained exceeded the permissible limits except those of nitrates, sulphates, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and pH. Relevant agency should put in place proactive measure in creating awareness to the public of the danger to human lives from the consumption of biota through the food chain.