EVALUATION OF SOME METALS (PB, ZN, CR AND CD) IN SNAILS, SEDIMENT AND WATER COLLECTED FROM A FLOOD RESERVOIR IN USEH, EGOR L.G.A BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the presence, levels and variability of Lead, Zinc, Chromium and Cadmium in sediment, snail and water collected from a flood reservoir in Useh, located in Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State.  Snail, water and sediment samples were collected from the flood reservoir, prepared and digested in the laboratory before they were analyzed for heavy metals. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for the analysis of heavy metals in the samples collected and this was done in duplicates. There was the presence of Pb, Zn and Cr in the sediment, snail and water except for Cadmium which was below detection level. The levels of lead recorded the same mean values of 0.03± 0.01mg/l in sediment and water while snail recorded a mean value of 0.01±0.01 mg/l. Zinc had a higher level of 1.24±0.48mg/l in sediment, than snail and water which recorded values of 0.52±O.26 and 0.14±0.07mg/l respectively. Chromium had a higher mean value of 0.04±0.03mg/l in water, 0.02±0.02mg/l in snail and 0.02± 0.01mg/l in sediment. During the study, zinc recorded the highest mean value followed by chromium and then lead (Zn>Cr>Pb) in which some values were within the WHO recommended limits and others were slightly above the WHO recommended limits. Hence, it can be inferred from this study that the flood reservoir at use harbors these study metals in varying concentrations across the different medias analyzed and as such, could pose future health issues if not properly monitored.