| Abstrakt: |
The Qua Iboe River estuary is one of the most studied ecosystems in the Niger Delta of Nigeria given its proximity to intense industrial activities. There have been concerns regarding possible environmental contamination, which has led to several monitoring studies. In this study, some trace metals (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cd) in rainwater samples collected around the estuary were investigated using standard analytical methods. Rainwater samples were also analysed for physicochemical characteristics. The results obtained revealed varied levels of trace metals and physicochemical parameters across dry and wet seasons. The average abundance of trace metals in rainwater samples from the study locations is in the order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd > Pb. In addition, predominant anions in rainwater samples are in the order C O 3 2 −>Cl−> N O 3 −> S O 4 2 −>S2–>CN–. Results from statistical analyses reveal the relationships across parameters as well as the discrimination of monitored sites based on the intensity of industrial activities. Principal component analysis reveals that soil dust, sea salt, and fossil fuel combustion are major factors affecting the rainwater chemistry of the study area. The significant amounts of trace metals and the physicochemical parameters quantified in the rainwater samples indicate some level of contamination. However, these levels do not indicate serious pollution problems at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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