An evaluation of concentrations of arsenic, nickel, cadmium and chromium from the Onitsha segment of the River Niger

This study was carried out to determine the concentration of arsenic, nickel, cadmium and chromium in the water, sediments and fish from Atani, Bridgehead and Otuocha segments of river Niger. The results indicated that arsenic concentration in the water, sediments and fish from the three segments were highest compared to other heavy metals analysed. Chromium was not detectable in the water, sediments and fish samples from the three segments. The order of the concentrations of the heavy metals from this results showed that in all the segments (As>Ni>Cd>Cr). Heavy metals accumulated in the water, sediments and fish which indicate contamination of the river and the need to control the source of pollution of these water bodies.