Determination of Toxic and Trace Elements in Water
Determination of Toxic and Trace Elements in Water
net/publication/272688085
CITATIONS READS
0 854
2 authors, including:
Albert Achudume
Kings University, Ode Omu,Nigeria
37 PUBLICATIONS 283 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:
Index Assessment of Quality Water in Odeomu and University Campus View project
All content following this page was uploaded by Albert Achudume on 16 November 2015.
Received: September 9, 2011 Accepted: October 11, 2011 Published: January 1, 2012
doi:10.5539/ep.v1n1p69 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ep.v1n1p69
Abstract
Human activities have continuously disturbed the natural aquatic ecosystem. The objective of the study was to
determine some trace elements concentrations in water, sediments and vegetations in the impacted Topcamp
stream. The study area lies between Latitudes 07°25′30″ N to 07°25′50″ and Longitude 003°2′00″ to 003°55′50″ E,
a 3 km stretch of freshwater within metropolitan city. Single grab of surface water and sediment samples on
sequential sites were studied. Vegetation samples, syndrella modiflora, were collected in the vicinity of the
stream and analyzed. Results showed that the cation ions Ca and K were in excess of normal good quality water.
The values of As, Cu, Cr, Fe and Zn were generally low and below the European Commission and WHO
guidelines of drinking water quality. The trace elements concentration in the sediments, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn
were elevated relative to water concentrations. The element concentrations in plant, syndrella nodiflora showed
high moderate of Ca and Mg, low of As, Cr, P and Cd. Lead and Cd were below detection limit in water and
sediment. When the sediment level of elements were compared to that of water, it is obvious that the residue
levels of all heavy metals decreased indicating some capacity for assimilation.
Keywords: Human activities, Natural aquatic ecosystem, Trace elements, Vegetation, Sediment
1. Introduction
Increase industrialization in the past four decades has resulted in increased effluents being discharged into the
aquatic system (Epko & Ibok, 1999). These wastes are potential sources of metals in the surrounding
environment. The industrial effluent generally contains high quantities of dissolved and suspended particles
including toxic trace elements which cause deleterious effects on the freshwater sediments and vegetations when
discharged into water bodies (Muley et al., 2007). In addition, impeded litter decomposition and soil respiration
are common features of heavy metal pollution in soil (Nwuche & Ugoji, 2008).
All heavy metals are potentially harmful to organisms at certain level of exposure and absorption. Such elements
can migrate and accumulate in different components of natural ecosystems (sediments and vegetations). Most
trace elements accumulate in aquatic animals and pass their toxic effects to the upper links of the trophic chain,
including human beings (Yigit & Altindag, 2006). Besides, the contamination of resources with trace elements
may have devastating effect on the ecological balance of the aquatic environment with the diversity of vegetation
becoming highly polluted accordance with the extent of the contamination (Karadede & Unlu, 2000).
Additionally, concentration of trace elements in sediment may render soils non productive because of
phytotoxicity. In addition, impeded litter decomposition and soil respiration are common features of heavy metal
polluted soils (Nwuche & Ugoji, 2008).
Topcamp stream receives a variety of untreated wastes. Information clarifying decisions impacting toxic trace
elements is important since adequate toxicity data is lacking for informed risk assessment decisions. Data on the
effects of discharged effluent on vegetation is limited and magnified for contemporary developing country like
Nigeria. More so, a reliable data base is required to graphically illustrate the consequences of environmental
degradation and to identify opportunities to correct or avoid further deterioration.
The primary objectives of the present study were to access the chemical contaminants in water, sediments and
vegetations of the impacted stream. The secondary objectives were to obtain basic and simple information
permitting a better understanding of environmental impact of the heavy metals. This information would be a
useful tool for effective management and control of the natural aquatic area with respect to some heavy metals
that are carried and their bioavailability.
using Alph 4 atomic spectrophotometer at wavelength of 358, 325, 248, 279, 214 and 229 nm respectively. Data
were subjected to Barlett’s test for homogeneity, followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). For post hoc
comparison Student Newman Keul’s test was employed.
3. Results
The results obtained for the concentrations of trace elements collected from Topcamp stream are represented in
Table 1. The As, Ca, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn values in water samples generally low and below WHO limit of toxic
concentration of these elements. However, the element concentration of Fe, Mg and K were relatively high
considering prior filtration. The element concentrations obtained at the highest and lowest levels in the stream
were observed to be Fe and P respectively. Cd and Pb were present at concentration near or below detention
limits in water samples, but were detected in the plants, syndrella nodiflora (Table 3). The data in Table 1 show
that the concentrations of elements in water from the study sites were much lower than those obtained from the
sediment (Table 2). The order of mean concentrations in the water samples were Fe > K > Mg > Mn > SO4 >
Ca > Na > Cu > Cr > As > Zn > PO4. Iron and K concentrations in water samples were found to be higher than
those recommended for drinking purposes, whereas other trace metals were found to be within the toxic limits.
The results of the trace elements analysis in the sediments are shown in Table 2. Total As, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Mn
concentrations in the sediment were elevated relative to water concentrations. The Ca, Mg and K concentrations
were surprisingly low in the sediments while Cu and Zn remained moderate in water when compared to USEPA
(1977) standards for quality water.
The element concentrations in plants, syndrella nodiflora showed high moderate values of Ca and Mg and low
average values of As, Cr, Pb and Cd (Table 3) compared to water and sediment values. The Pb and Cd which
were below detection limit in water and sediment samples were detected in the plants, Site I, II and III showed
higher average values compared to the reference site. The mean concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Pb and Cd were
found higher in site I than those found for sites II and III while Fe and Mn were at the highest level in site III.
The element levels of plant were in order as follows: Fe > Mg > Ca > Mn > Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd.
4. Discussion
The predominant cations in both water and sediment samples were Ca and K, while Cu, Fe, Mg, and Mn are
major elements in both samples (Table 1 and 2). The presence of As, Cr, K, P, Pb and Zn suggest that the stream
contains many cations, all from processes of raw materials. Generally, there is increased level of measured
parameters in water (Table 1) and sediment (Table 2) samples, indicating some capacity for assimilation and
perhaps especially, dilution by up stream water parts of Topcamp stream by heavy rain. The pollutions from
industries in the region are transported to the downstream which significantly impacted the stream with Mg, Fe,
K, Mg, Mn and Ca (Table 1) while Cu, Fe, and Mg in the sediments (Table 2), and Fe, Mg, Ca, Cu, Mn and Zn
in vegetation (Table 3). The values observed for As (3.60 mg/l) in station BC0 is significant (p < 0.01 >
compared to PS0 whereas, those of Mg in stations BC1 (38.90 mg/l) and BC2 (42.14 mg/l) are obviously as a
result of capacity for backflow and /or some other discharge point from unknown source (Table 1). Similarly, the
values of Fe and Mn in BC1 and BC2 in the sediment (Table 2) may follow the same trend as reported above.
The concentrations of heavy metals like As, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Zn in water samples were below or near
detection limits as a result of adsorption and accumulation of elements by suspended solids while the
concentration of elements in the sediments were higher than those found in the water column. When the
sediment levels of the elements are compared to that of water, it is clearly seen that the residue levels of the trace
elements decreased after sequential sites (Table 1 and 2). There was poor vegetation growth along the stream and
erosion could possibly be an important factor for increased sedimentation. Erosion subsequently transfers the
sediment elements from their point of origin into freshwater systems. As was observed by Champon (1992),
sediments may then be re-suspended and transported further until it comes to its ultimate resting point or sink
where active sediment accumulation occurs. Therefore, it can be concluded that sediments containing the
absorbed elements may be deposited along the stretch of the stream. Similarly, it can be deduced that the residue
levels in the sediments decreased due to sedimentation caused by shore line erosion.
It is evident from the Table 1 and 2 that most of the toxic elements in the vegetation, Syndrella nodiflora,
originated from the water and sediments. The plants accumulated sufficient levels of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn and
Cation Ca as reflected in site 1, 2 and 3 compared to the reference site. Increased urbanization in the area has led
(through housing or road construction and industries in particular) to increase in water pollution. Water from the
stream is often used for various purposes such as watering of livestock, vegetable gardens and other domestic
uses, including car washing. These occur by direct extraction or pumping close to the stream resulting in
increased content of potassium from detergents. Industrial activities and solid waste disposal may lead to
increase trace elements and acidification of water bodies. Exposure to sub-lethal doses of these trace elements
will reduce the population of vulnerable organisms and vegetations by mortality or decreasing growth rate
(Groot et al., 2002). Some ecological factors such as dissolved oxygen, salinity and detritus have a significant
effect on both absorption and bioaccumulation of metals (Karadede-Akin & Ünlü, 2007). The partition
coefficient for metal concentrations in water and sediment environment and in crab tissue was determined as
0.05.
Finally, trace element levels of Topcamp stream are generally increasing by domestic and industrial effluent
discharge. By international standard Topcamp stream is comparable to many other streams in the world, except
perhaps, morphological conditions such as attitude, geology setting, size and depth. Given the same level of trace
elements, and unified classification systems for the assessment of water quality based on ecological indicators.
Topcamp stream compares favourably with European Commission DG Environment 2000/6, USEPA water
quality control 1977 and WHO 1984 Guidelines of Drinking Water Quality.
Inclusion, metal pollution in Topcamp stream is not at a level to affect human health directly, but may adversely
affect aquatic life. According to the present results, the heavy metals were deposited in the sediments and
accumulated in the crabs. These crabs, syndrella nodiflora, are endemic species and have a special importance in
means of biodiversity. In addition, pollution levels from Associated Match Industry discharging into Topcamp
stream have a potential threat on birds and associated wildlife in the region. Management and other stakeholders’
should focus actions on restoring or preserving the natural flow of Topcamp stream. Conservation measures
should also include efforts to reduce polluting substances, because these will certainly have a negative effect on
the aquatic organisms in the long term.
References
APHA. (2005). Standard methods for examination of water and waste water. 21st Ed. ALPHA, AWWA, WFF,
Washington D.C.
Adesoji, S.A., & Farinde, A.J. (2004). Factors associated with the productivity of arable crop farmers in Osun
State Nigeria. International Journal of Biological, Physiological Sciences, 8, 57-62.
Ayas, Z., Ekmeka, G., Yerli, S.V., & Ozmen, M. (2007). Heavy metal accumulation in water, sediments and
fishes of Nallihan Bird Paradise Turkey. Journal Environmental Biology, 28, 545-549.
Canli, M.A.O., & Kalay, M. (1998). Levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr and Ni) in tissue of Cyprinus Carpio,
Barbers Capilo and Chondrostoma regium from the Seyhan river, Turkey. Trend Journal of Zoology, 22,
149-157.
Chapman, D. (1992). Water Quality Assessment. A guide to biota, sediments and water in environment
monitoring. Chapman and Hall Publishing, Cambridge, 35, pp.
Ekpo, B.O., & Ibok, U. J. (1999). Temporal variation and distribution of trace metals in freshwater and Fish
from Caliber river, S.E. Nigeria. Environmental Geochemical Health, 21, 51-66.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006544711923
Groot, R.S., Wilson, M.A., & Boumans, R.M.J. (2002). A typology for the classification, description and
valuation of ecosystem functions, goods and services. Ecol. Econ., 41, 393-408.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8009(02)00089-7
Karadede, H., & Ünlü, E. (2000). Concentrations of some heavy metals in water sediment and fish species from
the Ataurk dam lake (Euphrates). Turkiye. Chemosphere, 41, 1371-1376.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0045-6535(99)00563-9
Karadede-Akin, H., & Ünlü, E. (2007). Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, fish and some benthic
organisms from Tigris River, Turkey. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 131, 323-337.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10661-006-9478-0
Keay, R.W.J. (1959). An outline of Nigeria vegetation, 3rd ed. Federal Government Printer, Lagos.
Muley, D.V., Karanjkor, D.M., & Maske, S.V. (2007). Impact of Industrial Effluents on the biochemical
composition of freshwater fish Labeo rohita. Journal Enviromental Biology, 28, 245-249.
Nwuche, C.O., & Ugoji, E.O. (2008). Effects of heavy metal pollution on the soil microbial activity. Int. J.
Environ. Sci. Tech., 5, 409-414.
Salami, A.T., Jimoh, M.A., & Muoghalu, J.I. (2003). Impact of Gold mining on vegetation and soil in
Southwestern Nigeria. Int. J. Environ. Studies, 60, 343-352. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207230304731
USEPA. (1977). Quality criteria for water. Office of water and Hazardous materials, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 56 pp.
USEPA. (1996). Acid digestion of sediments, sludge’s and soils. Method 3050B.
WHO. (1984). Guidelines of Drinking Water Quality in Health Criteria and other supporting information, 2, 336
pp.
Yigit, S., & Altindag, A. (2006). Concentration of heavy metals in the food web of lake Egirdir, Turkey. J.
Environ. Biol., 27, 475-478.
Table 1. Concentrations (Mg/L) of toxic and essential elements in water collected in Topcamp Stream
As Ca Cd Cr Cu Fe Mg Mn Pb Zn SO4 PO4 K Na
PS0 1.40 34 BDL 9.07 2.63 19.20 45.82 2.79 BDL <0.05 7.53 0.42 11.50 41
PS1 0.00 30 BDL 0.58 5.64 673.70* 51.43 31.06 BDL 5.41 2.05 2.05 490* 25
PS2 0.60 36 BDL 1.57 3.69 306.70 58.03 32.49 BDL 4.04 24.24 24.24 710* 29
PS3 <0.05 40 BDL 1.84 3.22 1128.30* 47.13 45.48 BDL <0.05 43.91 43.91 675* 28
C1 <0.05 30 BDL 0.31 1.86 749.50* 48.57 10.33 BDL 0.56 30.51 30.51 205* 16
AC1 <0.05 28 BDL 0.19 2.46 61.00 44.77 5.16 BDL BDL 41.63 41.63 130 11
AC2 0.20 24 BDL 0.35 3.25 25.80 43.88 0.03 BDL BDL 29.38 29.38 125 17
BC0 3.60 08 BDL BDL BDL 9.30 1.93 0.50 BDL 0.85 0.24 0.24 175* 2.6
BC1 <0.05 08 BDL 0.12 1.47 <0.05 38.90 0.11 BDL 2.64 19.95 19.96 95 8.25
BC2 <0.05 18 BDL 0.19 BDL BDL 42.14 BDL BDL BDL 33.65 33.65 40 9.60
BDL Below detention limit < 0.01 ppm. All values are mean of triplicate ± S.D ANOVA.
*Significance P < 0.01 compare to site PS0.
Table 2. Physical and chemical characterization of sediment samples collected from sequential sites in Topcamp
stream in mg/kg
%
%sand %silt %clay organic As Ca Cd Cr Cu Fe K Mg Mn Pb Zn
matter
PS0 74.00 9.00 17.00 4.99 BDL 6.04 BDL 3.80 649.58 10,769.00 0.35 18.75 257.70 BDL 2.70
PS1 92.00 5.00 3.00 0.34 1.00 5.49 BDL 13.98 767.42 268,544.60* 4.06 10.55 23.17 BDL 2.40
PS2 94.00 3.00 3.00 0.17 2.00 2.32 BDL 46.90 635.83 72.347.42* 0.50 8.48 3234.00 BDL 0.20
PS3 92.00 5.00 3.00 4.47 36.00 3.28 BDL 21.48 560.00 166,713.62* 4.37 8.75 13.81 BDL BDL
C0 76.00 3.00 21.00 4.99 1.00 3.09 BDL 32.30 577.42 27,295.00 0.92 8.04 1,301.70 BDL BDL
AC1 86.00 5.00 9.00 5.50 0.60 8.39 BDL 2.20 577.08 12,335.00 1.26 10.21 913.80 BDL 0.40
AC2 92.00 5.00 3.00 0.34 1.00 7.15 BDL 1.70 745.00 141,789.04* 1.01 13.98 6,135.00* BDL 2.50
BC0 94.00 3.00 3.00 0.86 36.36 0.80 BDL BDL BDL 90.75 0.05 7.21 1.69 BDL BDL
BC1 78.00 9.00 13.00 2.06 BDL 5.46 BDL 70.20 512.50 67.605* 0.54 9.58 2,589.10* BDL 0.10
BC2 76.00 13.00 11.00 0.86 BDL 10.24 BDL 86.30 758.75 168,169.01* 2.72 9.20 9.283.60 BDL BDL
BDL Below detention limit < 0.01ppm. All values mean of triplicate ± S.D. ANOVA.
*Significance P < 0.05 compare to BC0.
Table 3. Concentrations (Mg/kg) of toxic and essential elements in plant, syndrella nodiflora from the Topcamp
Stream
Site As Ca Mg Cr Cu Fe Pb Mn Cd Zn
Site BDL 607.20 1805.10 BDL 375.63 11,331.00 0.75 216.09 0.345 27.00
Site BDL 493.50 2427.00 BDL 350.00 3186.00 BDL 344.10 0.120 85.20
Site 1.500 456.30 2340.90 BDL 108.45 4813.38 0.15 404.55 0.015 BDL
Reference site BDL 39.32 86.49 BDL 6.12 11.2 BDL 2.95 BDL 5.63
Mean 519.00 2191.00 BDL 278.03 6443.46 0.45 321.58 0.16 56.10
Min. 456.20 1805.10 BDL 108.45 0.15 216.09 0.015 0.015 27.00
Max. 607.20 2427.00 BDL 375.63 11,331.00 0.75 404.55 0.345 85.20