Environmental Studies Journal
Volume 3, No. 1, 2024
Pages 56-67
DOI: 10.36108/esj/4202.30.0150
Trace metals composition of the sediments from the Birmingham Canal Navigations
HAYATU, Sa’adatu Jauro1, BELLO, Hussaini2, SALAWU Simpa John 1, MOMOH Ufon Ojogbane1, ALABI Tawakalitu Biola1 and YUSUF Hajara Oyiza1
1Bio entrepreneurship and Consultancy Services Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Lugbe, Abuja – Nigeria
2School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, UK. WV1 1LY
*Corresponding Author- Email: hayatusaa@yahoo.com Orcid No: https://orcid.org/ 0009-0007-2043-0891
Abstract
The fast urbanization is causing pollution of the water environment with trace metals (TMs) and these TMs are readily absorbed in sediments since they are not very soluble in water. With an emphasis on concentration levels, dispersion patterns, and possible environmental ramifications, this study examines the trace metal content of sediments from the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). Using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, 20 sediment samples were taken at 100-meter intervals along the canal and examined for heavy metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se). Lead (Pb) had the highest concentration, surpassing soil guideline values (SGVs) for commercial, residential, and allotment exposures, according to the results, while selenium (Se) had the lowest concentration. Pb and Cr posed the greatest ecological and health threats, according to statistical studies such as ANOVA and Pearson correlation, which revealed notable variation in metal concentrations among the sampling sites. According to the findings, urbanization and industry are the main causes of sediment contamination. To mitigate these concerns, it is advised to implement land-use management techniques to reduce the buildup of trace metals, increase monitoring, and dredge more frequently. This study emphasizes how crucial canal sediment management is to safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and public health.
Keywords: Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN), Sediment, Soil guideline values (SGVs), Trace metals, X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
