Assessing The Extent and Nature of Heavy Metal Pollution in Kom-Kom Community, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The persistent, toxic, and non-biodegradable nature of heavy metals have been recorded to negatively affect the environment. Given the reports of oil spill incidences in Kom-Kom community, a follow-up assessment and monitoring of the extent and nature of heavy metal pollution is necessary to determine the environment’s health. Metal levels in soil and the African common toad, Sclerophrys regularis were assessed for Ni, Cd, Pb, Fe and Cu in 3 stations, S₁, S₂ and S₃ in Kom-kom community, Oyigbo local government of Rivers State, Nigeria during the rainy months. The samples were prepared and analysed using Micro Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (Agilent 4210 MP AES). The physicochemical parameters (temperature, _PH and Electrical conductivity), and nitrate, sulphate and phosphate levels of soils were also analysed using standard methods. The mean values of metals in soils and biota ranged between 0.001±0.0001 to 0.001± 0.0002, Cd; 0.001±0.0001 to 0.001±0.003 Cu; 0.002±0.0002 to 0.002±0.0003, Pb, and 0.008±0.0002 to 0.008±0.0006 Ni showing no significant difference at p<0.05 in all metals. In soils, and skin of Sclerophrys regularis, accumulation pattern of heavy metal was in the order Fe>Ni>Pb>Cd≥ Cu in all three stations. Bio-concentration Factor values for all metals except Fe in the biota was found to have high contamination levels; Fe reported very high contamination. Contamination Factor and Pollution Load Index values for all metals showed low degree of contamination. All analysis in soil and biota reveals that the metals were within standard limit values. Continued measures against exposures and contamination is encouraged.