Investigation of heavy metals in water and sediment from contamination sites between Rimi and Kabawa axis, lower Benue River, Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

This study investigated heavy metals in water and sediment from contamination sites between Rimi and Kabawa axis by Lower Benue River, Ibi, Taraba state. Heavy metal levels was investigated using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) Bulk Scientific Model 210 VGP using spectrometer techniques. The highest concentration of Zinc (Zn) in September/October, was (0.1667 mg/kg) while Cadmium (Cd) recorded a lower mean concentration value (0.0013 mg/kg) in December/January. Concentration ranking profile in water was found to be Zn>Pd>Cu>Cd. Results of heavy metal in sediments during the study from September 2022 to February 2023 revealed significant difference (pPb>Cu>Cd. Zinc (Zn) value show the higher concentration (2.2667 mg/kg) in November and recorded lower value (1.1000 mg/kg) for the month of January and February. Value recorded for Cadmium (Cd) was observed to be lower than those recorded other metals. Higher Cadmium (Cd) values (0.0020 mg/kg) were observed to be high in September, October and January and low value (0.0013 mg/kg) recorded for November, December and February. Mean heavy metals concentrations between water and sediment during the study showed sediment recorded higher value for Zinc (Zn) (2.2667 mg/kg) in November while lower value was recorded for Cadmium (Cd) (0.0013 mg/kg) in November, December and January. Mean concentrations of metals on water showed zinc (Zn) reported higher in September (0.1667 mg/l), October (0.1667 mg/l), November (0.1334 mg/l) and December (0.1334 mg/l), compared to January and February (0.1000 mg/l). The concentration of Lead (Pb) in water recorded higher value in December (0.5147 mg/l), January, November (0.3910 mg/l), and February (0.3497 mg/l), compared to October (0.1647 mg/l), and September (0.1237 mg/l). Result of important physico-chemical parameters measured in water samples during the study period showed total dissolved solid (TDS) recorded the higher value (134.25 mg/l) compare to other parameters. There were significant difference (p