GEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION FOR HEAVY METALS IN STREAM SEDIMENTS OF KANO RIVER DRAINAGE BASIN, NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Geochemical investigation was carried out to ascertain the levels of heavy metal pollution in
rivers around Kano River. Stream sediments were collected from upstream to downstream and
geochemical analysis for six heavy metal elements (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Mn). Heavy metal
concentration in stream sediments was determined using XRF. Three pollution criteria
(Contamination factor, enrichment factor and index of Geo accumulation) were used to assess
the level of pollution in these sediments. Computed results revealed low contamination to
considerable contamination when contamination factor was used. Most samples displayed low
contamination. Application of enrichment factor reveals samples were deficient to enrichment to
moderate enrichment. Index of geo accumulation reveals all samples had uncontaminated
characteristics. From geochemical point of view, pollution levels within the study area were
generally low but caution should be taken in areas like Wailari where significant pollution was
observed.