PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CADMIUM CONTENT OF WATER AND SEDIMENTS OF IKPOBA AND OGBA RIVERS, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical qualities and concentrations of cadmium in water and sediment from Ogba and Ikpoba rivers, both of which are located in Benin City, Nigeria. Sampling campaigns were conducted on a monthly basis from November 2021 to January 2022. The physicochemical parameters of the samples were determined using standard analytic methods and determination of cadmium concentrations was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). From the physicochemical analysis results of water samples from both rivers, only pH and dissolved oxygen values fell outside the permissible limits for water quality parameters. There were no significant differences between the physicochemical parameter values for both rivers (p > 0.05) except for electrical conductivity and nitrate. From the physicochemical analysis of sediment samples, were no significant difference for any parameter between both rivers. The concentration of cadmium was higher in sediments than in water samples, however, there was no significant difference between cadmium concentrations in Ikpoba and Ogba rivers. There was an observed influence of the reduction of water inputs into the rivers during the dry season. Periodic monitoring and assessment of the quality of water and sediments in both rivers is recommended.