WET SEASON EVALUATION OF BIOCONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN SEDIMENTS OF RIVER BENUE, BAGANA, KOGI SATE

Abstract

This study investigated the bioconcentration of heavy metals in the sediments of River Benue at Bagana, Kogi State, Nigeria, during the wet season. The heavy metals analyzed include cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and mercury (Hg). Sediment samples were collected at three points along the river and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results revealed fluctuations in heavy metal concentrations, with Cd, Cu, Pb, and Fe highest in July and lowest in September. The levels of these metals were within permissible limits set by FAO, indicating no immediate threat to fish health and safety for human consumption, except for chromium, which showed a significant increase in concentration by September. The study concludes that while the sediment quality remains largely safe, continuous monitoring is crucial to prevent potential ecological risks posed by industrial activities and agricultural runoff in the metropolis.