Assessment of heavy metals in Ulasi River sediments, Okija, Anambra State, Nigeria

The concentrations of ten heavy metals (As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in surface sediments of Ulasi River, Okija in Anambra state Nigeria were assessed. Data from three sample stations that include; station A. Ubahuabuba, station B. below the bridge along Okija-Nnewi road, and station C. Onitsha – Owerri road were analysed. The result was obtained using ANOVA statistical analysis and there was a significant difference of 0.05%. The results obtained also revealed that the mean concentrations of the metals ranged from Arsenic 0.57 to 0.72mg/l, Boron 1.28 to 1.86mg/l, Cadmium 0.47 to 0.94mg/l, Chromium 0.67 to 0.96mg/l, Lead 0.94 to 1.30mg/l, Manganese 0.78 to 1.18, Fe 1.28 to 2.38mg/l, Cu 0.69 to 1.07mg/l, Zn 1.10 to 2.10mg/l and Nickel 1.10 to 1.36mg/l. When compared with the guidelines of the EPA for sediments, the results of the metals analysed were within the recommended threshold limits. Keywords: Heavy Metal, Sediment, Ulasi River, Contamination and EPA guidelines