Metals contamination and its ecological risk assessment in the coastal sediments of Badagry Creek, Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess heavy metals contamination and potential ecological risk in Badagry Creek, Nigeria. Concentrations of six heavy metals associated with environmental pollution were determined in the sediments using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The evaluation of heavy metals pollution was determined using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), modified degree of contamination and potential ecological risk index. Results showed the ranking order of heavy metals in the sediment was iron (Fe) > chromium (Cr) > lead (Pb) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) > cadmium (Cd). Among sampling stations, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations was found to be significantly (p<0.05) varied, whereas the concentration of Pb, Cr, and Cd was found insignificantly (p>0.05) different. The Igeo results suggested that the sediment pollution level was found in the category of unpolluted to moderately polluted. Based on the modified degree of contamination, sediments categorized from non-contamination to slight contamination with heavy metals. The potential ecological risk to the biological community was recorded from low to moderate risk of heavy metals pollution. Among different heavy metals, Cd posed the most substantial risk across the sampling stations. Consequently, there is urgent requirement of appropriate regulation and management by the relevant regulatory bodies in order to stop the indiscriminate dumping of sewage and untreated waste into the creek.