Revista de ecosistemas y ecografía

Abstracto

Seasonal Variations in Physico-Chemical Parameters of the Topcamp Stream and Heavy Metals Accumulation in Freshwater Crustacean

Achudume AC and Odoh S

Physico-chemical data may be collected systematically as basis for planning and wherever possible, for determining priorities of intervention with suitable control measures and to assess the efficacy of measurement put into operation. Heavy metals data and other parameters were studied in a natural stream, Topcamp stream. Samples were collected from point source and zones of dilution in two different seasons. Fresh water crustacean as bioindicator of pollution were used for identification of major contaminants. Results of the present survey indicate that the water temperature and pH were thoroughly mixed from Associated Match Industry with the clear waters of the upper Topcamp stream. Heavy metal contents at various seasons show arsenate, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn present at concentrations near or below detection limits in water samples. Iron was present at abnormally high levels above the limit established for Nigeria both in rainy and wet seasons, whereas, Mn, and Fe, predominate in dry season closely followed by Zn2 +. The concentrations of As, Cr, and Zn in crab Sudanenautes africanus africanus were minimal and more consistent with the level of metals in surface water. Overall, the physico-chemical parameters like pH, Electrical Conductivity, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Heavy Metals under investigation were within the permissible limits. Environmental awareness programmes can be organized to encourage conservation and management activities of Topcamp stream.