Abstract
The concentration and areal distribution of selected metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Fe, and Cr) in the sediments of the Calabar River were studied to determine the extent of anthropogenic input and to estimate the effects of dumping industrial waste materials into the river. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cu indicate relatively moderate pollution mainly on the left-hand side of the river while Ni, Cr, Co, Cd, and Fe levels are below values found to have adverse effects on the lives of marine biota. High metal contents are found close to industrial establishments and so enhanced metal concentrations are related to industrial sewage and metal leaching from garbage and solid waste dumps.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Azmatullah M and Ekwere SJ (1985) Heavy metal distribution in Sediments from Cross River Estuary, southeastern Nigeria, Nig J Min Geol 21:165–169
Banhart BJ (1978) The disposal of harzadous wastes. Environ Sci Technol 12:1132–1136
Bowen HJM (1966) Trace elements. In: Biochemistry of the elements. London: Academic Press. pp 173–210
De Groot AP, De Goeij JJM and Zengers C (1971) Contents and behaviour of mecury as compared with other heavy metals in sediments from the rivers Rhine and Elms. Geol Mijnbouw 50: 393–398
Forstner U (1980) Cadmium in polluted sediments. In: JO Nriagu (Ed), Cadmium in the environment, vol 1. New York: Wiley Interscience. pp 305–363
Forstner U and Muller C (1973) Heavy metal accumulation in river sediments; A reponse to environmental pollution. Geoforum 14:53–61
Forstner U and Muller G (1976) Heavy metal pollution minitoring in river sediments. Forschr Mineral 53:271–288
Forstner U and Muller G (1981) Concentrations of heavy metals and polycychie aromatic hydrocarbons in river sediments. Geochemical background, man's influence and environmental impact. Geojournal 5(5):417–432
Hellman H (1972) Definition und Bedeutung des Backgrounds für unweltschutzbezogene gewÄsserkundliche Untersuchungen. Dtsch Gewaesserkd Mitt 16:170–174
Herring H (1969) Untersuchungen an Flu\wasser—Inhatsstoffen. Gaswasserfach 110:1385–1391
Holluta J, Bauer L and Kolle W (1968) über die Wirkung steigender Flu\wasserverschmutzung auf die wasserqualitöt und die Kapazitöt der Uferfiltratrate. Gas Wasserfach 109:1406–1409
McCrone A and Koch R (1966) Some geochemical properties of Hudson River sediments, Kingston to Manhatten, Hudson River Ecology Symposium., New York: Hudson River Valley Commission. 41–59
Muller G (1969) Index of geoaccumulation in sediments of the Rhine River. Geojournal 2(3):108–118
Turekian KK and Scott M (1967) Concentration of Cr, Ag, Mo, Ni, Co and Mn in suspended material in streams. Environ Sci Technol 1:940–942
Turekian KK and Wedepohl KH (1961) Distribution of the elements in some major units of the earth crust. Bull Geol Soc Am 72:175–192
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ntekim, E.E.U., Ekwere, S.J. & Ukpong, E.E. Heavy metal distribution in sediments from Calabar River, southeastern Nigeria. Geo 21, 237–241 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00775913
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00775913