ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN THE WATER OF RUMUOLUMENI CREEK, RIVERS STATE, NIGER DELTA NIGERIA

Abstract

This research was aimed at assessing the concentration of heavy metals in water of Rumuolumeni Creek.  Sampled stations established were four and water samples were taken for the period of three months (January to March 2022). Instrument used for the analysis of heavy metal concentration in water were Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) model AA320N. ANOVA was used to calculate mean and standard deviation while statistical significance was assessed at 0.05 probability level using Turkey tests. The result of heavy metals concentration in water showed that Zn 2.078±0.583 to 2.229±0.626mg/l, Pb 0.01±0.08 to 0.16±0.13mg/l, Cu 5.04±1.13 to 6.75±1.18mg/l, Ni 0.01±0.01 to 0.02±0.01mg/l. The results were compared with other researcher’s previous work. The results shows signs of contamination in Zn and Ni while Pb and Cu showed signs of pollution, so it is recommended that Rumuolumeni Creek is not safe for aquatic lives and people making use of the water from the creek, it is necessary to apply pollution control measures immediately to avoid farther extinction of aquatic lives and damager of health issues for those bathing the water and fishing in the creek.