Assessment of Bacteria and Heavy Metal Contamination of River Imabolo, Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was carried out to assess heavy metal and bacteria contamination of River Imabolo, Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria. Three replicate samples were collected from three sites (upstream, midstream and downstream) in June, 2023. Analysis of the concentration of some heavy metals [Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu)], pH, nitrate and bacteria contamination were carried out. Data collected were analyzed using Minitab software and significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5 % level of probability. The results revealed that there was no difference in the Fe concentration in all sampling points in the studied river (Upstream = 5.89 mg/l, Midstream = 6.60 mg/l, and Downstream = 5.93 mg/l). While highest Pb (1.79 mg/l) and Cu (4.27 mg/l) were recorded from Upstream. Midstream had Pb and Cu levels of 2.49 and 3.67 mg/l respectively while Downstream had 1.99 and 3.64 mg/l of Pb and Cu respectively. Bacteria contamination mostly occurred in upstream and downstream. This may be due to highest anthropogenic activities occurring at the upstream and the subsequent flow of the contaminants downwards. Highest coliform count was recorded at the downstream between 3.6x10⁶ to 4.3x10⁵ cfu/ml. while highest mean total bacteria was recorded from midstream 2.3x10⁶ cfu/ml (MacConkey Agar) and 4.1x10⁶ cfu/ml (nutrient agar).