Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Water and Bottom Sediment of Ekpan Creek, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria

The accumulation of heavy metals in water and sediment of Ekpan Creek has increased significantly from previously reported concentrations. The present study was designed to assess the levels of heavy metals in surface water and sediment in the Creek using scientifically recommended procedures for seven (7) heavy metals levels of Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Maganese (Mn). The concentrations of these metals were determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS) metal scanning respectively. Their order of prevalence in water was Fe>Zn>Mn>Cd>Pb>Cu>Cr, while sediment was Fe>Cu>Mn>Cr>Pb>Zn>Cd. Fe and Cu recorded worrisome levels above regulatory limits in some stations. This requires urgent efforts to monitor the sources of heavy metals to the river, their bioaccumulation in icthyofauna of the river and public health risk assessment.