ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF LUMBRICUS TERRESTRIS OBTAINED FROM KOLO CREEK, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
One of the important and useful process in dealing with contaminated site is the Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA). This study evaluates the ecological risk assessment of Lumbricusterrestris obtained from Kolo Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Soil and Lumbricus terrestris (common earthworm) samples were collected from three sites ( site 1 = Imiringi 1; site 2 = Imiringi 2; site 3 = Emeyal) all located in Kolo Creek environment, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The samples were digested and five selected heavy metals (Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Mnaganese (Mn), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn) were determined using standard procedure with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Varian spectrAA100, USA) in the laboratory. Results showed that heavy metals concentration in soil samples were below the DPR target value. However, Fe (4.12 ± 0.09 mg Kg-1) was more abundant in soil sample from site A. Pb and Cu were below detectable limit (i.e., < 0.001 mg Kg-1). The geoaccumulation index indicated no contamination. Lumbricusterrestris tends to concentrate Fe in its tissue and earthworm from site 1 had Pb concentration of 0.55 mg Kg-1. The results also showed that contamination factor and ecological risk indicated a low mwtal pollution index which may pose no significant ecological risk. However, of concern, is the accumulation of Fe and Pb by Lumbricusterrestris in site 1.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.