Status of Heavy Metals in Water, Sediments and Clam (Galatea Paradoxa, Born 1778) of the Diebu Creek, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the pollution status in water, sediments and whole body tissue of clam (galatea paradoxa, born 1778) of the Diebu Creek, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. The concentrations of the five heavy metals (As, Co, Cu, Fe and Pb) were determined using analyst 400 Perkin Elmer Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean concentration(mg/kg) of the metals in sediment were: (0.66±0.76) Co, (1.56±1.16)Cu, (1812.31±190.31)Fe and (0.94±0.87)Pb, while the mean concentration(mg/kg) of the metals in clam followed decreasing order: Fe(284.22)> Pb(2.30)> Co(1.08)>Cu(0.75) respectively. In attempt to infer anthropogenic input from natural input, linear regression equation, comparison with sediment quality guideline (SQGs) and ecotoxicological sense of heavy metal contamination was employed. The concentration of the studied heavy metals of the Diebu Creek, Fe and Pb exceeded reference standards, however, the concentration does not pose a threat to the sediment dwelling fauna and anyone who consumes aquatic animals particularly clam (galatea paradoxa, born 1778) from the Diebu Creek. According the SQGs, the studied heavy metals of the Diebu Creek sediment were under the category of non-polluted.