Chemical Components and Nutrients in Mangal Sediments of Cross and Qua Iboe Rivers, South-East Nigeria

F. Emile Asuquo
Ita Ewa-Oboho

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DOI: 10.2190/ES.32.1.e

Abstract

The coastal area of south-east Nigeria is extensively fringed by mangroves species which include Avicennia africana (white mangrove), Rhizophora mangle, Rhizophora racemosa, Rhizophora harrisonii (red mangroves), and Languncularia racemosa (black mangrove). This study examined the chemical components of the mangrove sediments and the extent of impact by human activities. The mangal sediments were characteristically acidic and non-sodic especially at the eastern Cross river flank. Texture of the sediments ranged from silty-clay (SC) to sandy-clay (S-CL) with the abundance of silt/clay in the lower reaches (estuary) and sandy mud in the upper reaches. These sediment characteristics predict a high retention potential for pollutants. The average chemical components and nutrient levels were low indicating constant flux of minerals between the mangrove vegetation and the associated surficial sediments. The pollutant levels, Fe and total hydrocarbons, clearly indicate high anthropogenic impact of the Cross and Qua Iboe rivers estuarine system.

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