Analysis of Sediments from Some Dams in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the levels of some physicochemical parameters in sediments collected from seven dams in Katsina State and establish possible explanations for the observed trends. Study Design: It is an analytical Study. Place and Duration of the study: The study was carried out in some selected local governments in Katsina State between September 2010 to September 2012. Methodology: The pH, conductivity and concentration of some metals in the sediments collected from seven different dams spread across Katsina State were determined. pH was determined in a sediment/water slurry using a calibrated pH meter, conductivity was determined using the saturated paste method with a calibrated conductivity meter and the concentration of some selected metals was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer . Samples were collected in the rainy season, harmattan and dry seasons for two years. The average result was used in the final analysis and the result for the three seasons were statistically analysed using ANOVA. Result: It was found that Zn, Fe, and Cr had the highest concentrations in all the seasons studied with most of the values being higher than the maximum recommended values by EPA. ANOVA showed a significant difference in the concentration of all the metals in the different seasons studied, with only Fe (P=.17) showing no significant difference between the seasons. The concentration of Pb was found to be above the maximum permissible limit in harmattan . This can be due to the relatively lower pH values in harmattan and the contributions from harmattan dust deposited. Conclusion: It was concluded that apart from the numerous natural factors, human activities contribute to the variations in metal concentrations in the sediments. Regular monitoring was suggested in order to ensure the healthy growth of the inhabitants.