Seasonal Variability of Heavy Metals Concentration of Industrial Effluents in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of pollution on the receiving waters (Iguosa and Ikopba rivers) in Benin City, Nigeia. One of the most critical problems of developing and developed countries is improper management of vast amount of wastes generated by various anthropogenic activities. Though, very pronounced in the developing countries due to availability of potable water sources. More challenging is the unsafe disposal of these wastes into the ambient environment. Effluents and water samples were analysed quantitatively for the presence of lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and Nickel (Ni) for both wet and dry season were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Aquatic insects are especially toxic to higher zinc concentrations. (ranatra elongata). A few of the raw materials used by these industries may be rich in these metals, according to the high concentration. Additionally, it was discovered that the metal concentrations in receiving waters were surprisingly lower than those in the effluents that were discharged into them. This might be a result of the receiving waters' dilution effect in part. It is suggested that the effluents from Industries have seriously polluted the receiving water bodies .However, if Industrial activities are not properly controlled or regulated and modified, it might lead to serious environmental pollution and degradation of Ikpoba-Oha and Oluku Rivers in Benin City in the nearest future.