Partitioning Of Some Selected Heavy Metals In Okigwe Metropolis IMO State, Nigeria (Part I)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the distribution patterns of heavy metal in Okigwe metropolis. Topsoil samples (10cm depth) were collected along the major roads within Okigwe metropolis during the rainy season (April to July).  The total metal concentration for Fe was discovered to occur at elevated concentrations in virtually all the soil samples with the highest mean concentration (9.072mg/kg), while Zn had the least mean concentration (0.448mg/kg). The observed trend in the concentration of metals was Fe > As > Pb > Cd > Mn > Zn > Cr. Cr was the most bioavailable metal while As and Fe were the least bioavailable. The observed trend for the metal bioavailability was Cr > Pb > Cd > Mn > Zn > Fe = As. Since Cr and Pb are the most bioavailable heavy metals in the area, it means that they will affect the organisms around the area negatively especially Cr.