Distribution, Seasonal Variations and Ecotoxicological Significance of Heavy Metals in Sediments of Cross River Estuary Mangrove Swamp

摘要: The concentrations and distribution of selected heavy metals in epipelic benthic sediments Cross River Estuary mangrove swamp were studied to determine the extent anthropogenic inputs from industrial activities estimate effects seasonal variations on geochemical processes this tropical estuarine ecosystem. analysis shows that mean (mg/kg, dw) Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, V Zn vary 24.1–32.4, 19.9–27.4, 666.7–943.5, 15.2–30.3, 8.8–24.7, 2.2–6.9 140.1–188.9, respectively. An important observation is that, general, lowest metal are found during dry season, compared wet season. Pollution load index (PLI) geoaccumulation (I geo) revealed overall low values but enrichment factors (EFs) for Zn, high, reflects intensity related discharge into estuary. Cu some Ni exceeded Effects Range—Low (ERL) Threshold Effect Level (TEL) majority samples studied, indicating there may be ecotoxicological risk organisms living these sediments. inter-element relationship identical source elements area. concentration reported work will useful as baselines comparison future sediment quality studies.