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Assessment of Trace Metals Contamination of Surface Water and Sediment: A Case Study of Mvudi River, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Joshua N. Edokpayi

    (Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • John O. Odiyo

    (Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Oluwaseun E. Popoola

    (Department of Chemical Sciences, Yaba College of Technology, P. M. B. 2011 Yaba, Lagos 101212, Nigeria)

  • Titus A. M. Msagati

    (College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, Florida Science Campus, University of South Africa, 1710 Roodepoort, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)

Abstract

Trace metals contamination of rivers and sediments remains a global threat to biodiversity and humans. This study was carried out to assess the variation pattern in trace metals contamination in Mvudi River water and sediments for the period of January–June 2014. Metal concentrations were analyzed using an inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer after nitric acid digestion. A compliance study for the water samples was performed using the guidelines of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) of South Africa and the World Health Organization (WHO). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sediment quality guidelines for marine and estuarine sediments and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment sediment guidelines (CCME) for freshwater sediments were used to determine the possible toxic effects of the metals on aquatic organisms. pH (7.2–7.7) and conductivity (10.5–16.1 mS/m) values complied with DWAF and WHO standards for domestic water use. Turbidity values in nephelometric turbidity units ( NTU) were in the range of 1.9–429 and exceeded the guideline values. The monthly average levels of trace metals in the water and sediments of Mvudi River were in the range of: Al (1.01–9.644 mg/L and 4296–5557 mg/kg), Cd (0.0003–0.002 mg/L and from below the detection limit to 2.19 mg/kg), Cr (0.015–0.357 mg/L and 44.23–149.52 mg/kg), Cu (0.024–0.185 mg/L and 13.22–1027 mg/kg), Fe (0.702–2.645 mg/L and 3840–6982 mg/kg), Mn (0.081–0.521 mg/L and 279–1638 mg/kg), Pb (0.002–0.042 mg/L and 1.775-4.157 mg/kg) and Zn (0.031–0.261 mg/L and 14.481–39.88 mg/kg). The average concentrations of Al, Cr, Fe, Mn and Pb in the water samples exceeded the recommended guidelines of DWAF and WHO for domestic water use. High concentrations of Al and Fe were determined in the sediment samples. Generally, the concentrations of Cd, Cr and Cu in the sediments exceeded the corresponding effect range low (ERL) values in the sediment quality guidelines and could have adverse effects on aquatic organisms in Mvudi River.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua N. Edokpayi & John O. Odiyo & Oluwaseun E. Popoola & Titus A. M. Msagati, 2016. "Assessment of Trace Metals Contamination of Surface Water and Sediment: A Case Study of Mvudi River, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:2:p:135-:d:63306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joshua N Edokpayi & John O Odiyo & Samuel O Olasoji, 2014. "Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Dzindi River, In Limpopo Province, South Africa," International Journal of Natural Sciences Research, Conscientia Beam, vol. 2(10), pages 185-194.
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    Cited by:

    1. Oluwatobi Owojori & Joshua N. Edokpayi & Ratshalingwa Mulaudzi & John O. Odiyo, 2020. "Characterisation, Recovery and Recycling Potential of Solid Waste in a University of a Developing Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Wendy Tatiana González Cano & Kyoungrean Kim, 2022. "How to Achieve Sustainably Beneficial Uses of Marine Sediments in Colombia?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-13, November.
    3. Linton F. Munyai & Tatenda Dalu, 2023. "Aquatic Macrophytes Metal and Nutrient Concentration Variations, with Implication for Phytoremediation Potential in a Subtropical River System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-12, October.
    4. Samuel Che Nde & Manny Mathuthu, 2018. "Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements as Non-Point Sources of Contamination in the Upper Crocodile Catchment Area, North-West Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-12, March.
    5. Mahmoud Gad & Sayeda M. Abdo & Anyi Hu & Mohamed Azab El-Liethy & Mohamed S. Hellal & Hala S. Doma & Gamila H. Ali, 2022. "Performance Assessment of Natural Wastewater Treatment Plants by Multivariate Statistical Models: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-17, June.
    6. Natalia Junakova & Jozef Junak, 2017. "Sustainable Use of Reservoir Sediment through Partial Application in Building Material," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-13, May.
    7. Rofhiwa T. Madilonga & Joshua N. Edokpayi & Elijah T. Volenzo & Olatunde S. Durowoju & John O. Odiyo, 2021. "Water Quality Assessment and Evaluation of Human Health Risk in Mutangwi River, Limpopo Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-16, June.

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