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Abstract

This study evaluated the geochemical distribution and environmental risk of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, iron, zinc, nickel, copper and lead in the Taylor creek within the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The sediment samples were analyzed by flame atomic adsorption spectrometry. The environmental risk was assessed via standard protocol, using two background scenarios (geometric and median mean). The distribution of heavy metals in the sediment was in the order; iron>zinc>chromium>lead>copper>nickel>cadmium. The cluster analysis, pollution load index, quantification of contamination and geoaccumulation index showed a higher degree of contamination for sediments of Obunagha 2, Okolobiri (1&2) and Ogboloma (1&2). All metals depicted a low risk index even though values were higher in Obunagha 2, Okolobiri (1&2) and Ogboloma (1&2), and lowest in Obunagha 1 and Polaku (1&2). Also, the ecological risk showed moderate contamination for cadmium in some locations. The findings of this study showed that anthropogenic activities along the bank of the Taylor creek is having an influence on the sediment heavy metals which is key in determining the survival rate of benthic fauna and other aquatic organism.