Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Interrelationship of Heavy Metals Concentration in Water, Sediment and Fish Samples from Owena Multi-Purpose Dam, Ondo State, Southern Nigeria
by Oyakhilome Gloria Irenosen, Aiyesanmi Ademola Festus, Adefemi Samuel Oluyemi, Asaolu Sunday Samuel

Abstract:
Interrelationship of heavy metals concentrations in water, sediment and fish samples from Owena Multi-Purpose Dam was examined. Most heavy metals levels (mg/kg) in sediment and fish samples were far lower than their Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) and ranged within the acceptable International Standard in fish for human consumption, also the concentration of the metals in sediment and fish samples were found to be several orders of magnitude greater than their corresponding values in water. Also observed was significant seasonal variation (P < 0.05) for most measured parameters, while spatial variation was not significant. Matrices of correlation coefficients between metal levels both in water and sediment indicate a high significant direct correlation between some of the metal pairs. However, high values of iron and manganese were recorded compared with drinking water Standards. Therefore, the study is to establish the immediate quality status of the Owena Multi-Purpose Dam, as a key activity in managing the water source, restoring if polluted, anticipating the effects of man- made changes on the dam lake and also as a baseline study for future monitoring of the dam.

Keywords: Owena multi-purpose dam, fish, sediment and heavy metals

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