International Journal of Chemistry Studies

Authors
Kpee F, Edori O S, Uzamere O

Abstract
The research evaluated the concentrations of heavy metals in surface water and sediment of the New Calabar River. Water and sediment samples were collected from different locations based on effluent characteristics. The samples were treated with standard procedures and methods and were analyzed for heavy metals concentrations in both water and sediments. The analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained for the heavy metals analysis were in the order Zn (4.72 ± 1.59 mg/l) > Cr (3.87 ± 0.96 mg/l) > Pb (3.39 ± 0.83 mg/l) > Cu (3.34 ± 1.45 mg/l) > Ni (2.65 ± 1.38 mg/l) > Cd (0.85 ± 0.74 mg/l) >As (0.09 ± 0.11 mg/l) > Ba (0.06 ± 0.06 mg/l) for water samples. The concentration of heavy metals in the water samples of the river were above the WHO and NESREA guideline except Ba. The results of the heavy metals levels in sediment samples of the river were in the order Zn (14.380±3.402mg/kg) > Cr (7.951±0.010 mg/kg) > Cu (7.294±1.650mg/kg) > Ni (6.751±1.550mg/kg) > Pb (6.607±1.671 mg/kg) > Cd (2.495±1.750 mg/kg) > Ba (1.855±1.656 mg/kg) > As (1.595± 1.311 mg/kg). There was pronounced pollution by heavy metals in surface water of New Calabar River. Hence, adequate measures should be adopted to halt and prevent further degradation of the river.