Authors : Kayode O. Adebowale , Foluso O. Agunbiade and Bamidele I. Olu-Owolabi
Abstract: The observed trend in the investigation of the fate of trace metals in the water and bottom sediments of the Ondo coastal area revealed how domestic waste disposal, oil exploration and agricultural activities can create potential hazard to the ecosystem. Samples of water and bottom sediments collected and analysed for 12 metals: As, Cd, Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, Mn, Mo, Pb, V, Sn and Zn, showed elevated concentration of these metals in the environment while, the enrichment factors calculated showed Fe as the most enriched metal. There were significant relationship between these metals and organic matter concentration in sediment samples. Site SW01, SW02 and SW06 had the highest enrichment of metals indicating pollution from anthropogenic sources and trans-boundary movement. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that Mn and Fe found to be abundant in both water and sediment were clearly from the geological structure of the area with minimal anthropogenic contributions. The partitioning and the Pollution Load Index (PLI) of the metals favour the accumulation of metals in the sediment phase. The observed relationships of the metals with organic carbon caused the association of the metals concentration with the sediment column but increased salinity and storm action are aiding increasing concentration of bioavailable metals in the water column creating potential hazard for the coast.
Kayode O. Adebowale , Foluso O. Agunbiade and Bamidele I. Olu-Owolabi , 2009. Trace Metal Concentrations, Site Variations and Partitioning Pattern in Water and Bottom Sediments from Coastal Area: A Case Study of Ondo Coast, Nigeria. Environmental Research Journal, 3: 46-59.