Geo-Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediment and Water from Coastal Marine Wetland in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigates the heavy metal concentrations in water and sediment samples from three stations in coastal marine wetlands in Rivers State, Nigeria: Sangama, Degema, and Tema. Samples were collected monthly from October 2021 to April 2022. Igeo, metal pollution load index (MPLI), ecological risk assessment, ecological risk factor (Er), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were used to evaluate the impact of pollution levels. The average concentrations of heavy metals like Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu were analyzed to assess contamination levels and ecological risks. Results show spatial variations in metal concentrations, with Sangama having the highest levels in both water and sediment. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and ecological risk factor (Er) were used to evaluate contamination levels and risks. Tema and Degema have generally favourable conditions with low to moderate contamination, while Sangama shows higher levels, especially for Cd, Pb, and Cu. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) and metal pollution load index (MPLI) emphasize the significant ecological risks from heavy metal pollution at all three stations. Urgent action is needed to implement effective environmental management strategies and reduce the impacts of metal pollution on aquatic ecosystems in these areas.