ARE OUR WATERS SAFE? INVESTIGATING HEAVY METAL RISKS IN THE IKPOBA RIVER ECOSYSTEM.
OGBEIDE, O. AND OGBEIDE, G.
ABSTRACT
The Ikpoba River, a crucial waterway in the rainforest belt of Edo State, Nigeria, has raised concerns regarding heavy metal contamination and its potential risks to the local population and ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the risk of heavy metal contamination in the water, sediment, and Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli of the Ikpoba River. Water, sediment, and fish samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). The results showed significant concentrations of Pb, Co, Cr, and Ni in the water samples, with the Metal Index (MI)
increasing from 2.633 in May to 3.523 in June, exceeding…