Water quality assessment and heavy metals in sediment, soil and vegetable around Oke-Afa Canal, Lagos, Nigeria

摘要

The extent of pollution of water, sediments, plants and soils irrigated with water from Oke-Afa canal Lagos was investigated. The mean values of the alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, total dissolve solids, total solids, phosphates, nitrates, pH, temperature and heavy metals were within the acceptable values of water for irrigation except a few which were higher than the FAO regulation. The levels of Zn, Cd and Pb in sediments exceeded European Community regulations values, while that of soil were within the values recommended except Cd. The average levels of heavy metals in Telfaria occidentalis were low but higher than the values of the control. It is concluded that industrial effluents, indiscriminate dumping of garbage and sewage have contributed to excess metals found in soil, sediment, water and plants.