Speciation of Heavy Metal in Ero Dam Sediment, Ikun-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metal speciation trends in the sediment of Ero dam, Ikun-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria were studied using three-step BCR (European Community Bureau of Reference) sequential extraction techniques, namely exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable fraction and total metals. The elements studied are Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd. A higher fractions of metals studied were found in the bound form with residual. The results showed that: BCR1; Cr>Zn>Ni>Cd>Cu>Pb. BCR2;Zn>Cr>Ni>Cd>Pb>Cu. BCR3; Zn>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cr>Cd. The highiest value of 80% (Zn) from BCR3 and lowest value of 0.87% Pb from BCR1. The result shows that Zn and Cr could easily be released in the water body.