Distribution of Trace Metals in Humic and Fulvic Acids in Sediments of the New Calabar River, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Horsfall, Michael Jnr | Spiff, Ayebaemi I.

Affiliations: Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Uniport P.O. Box 402, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: We evaluated the environmental contamination risks in sediments by selective extractions of trace metals from humic and fulvic acids. The data showed that the humic acids entrap more metals than fulvic acids. The principal trace metal of the humic acid is Cu (1244±14.8–1595±12.3 mg/g). Enrichment factor measurement indicated that Cu, Pb and Ni are more enriched in humate than Cd, Co, Zn and Fe. Trace metals in humic and fulvic fractions should be taken into account while studying speciation of metals in environmental compartments.

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 75-79, 2005