Geochemical Distribution of Lead and Chromium in River Getsi-Kano

Abstract

Geochemical forms of lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) from the sediment of River Getsi Kano-Nigeria were determined using Atomic Absorption spectrometer for eighteen months. Apart from determination of the metals in water, geochemical forms of the metals were also evaluated into five fractions. Exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to concentrations of the metals in water alone will not be enough to tell on the toxicity of particular heavy metal, as such the need for the geochemical forms of the metal become necessary in order to quantify the form in which the toxic metals exist. The distribution of the metals at the sediment shows that the metals were distributed in all the fractions. This suggests different pollution sources. Hence the sediment may be said to be a reservoir for the heavy metals.

Keywords: Heavy metals, River Getsi, Environment, Pollution, Sediment, Geochemical forms