Insecticides and metals in Nigerian surface water—warri river

The occurrence of organochlorine pesticide residues and trace metals in a Nigerian surface water ecosystem is reported. Analysis of 21 water samples revealed that concentrations of the quantifiable organochlorine compounds detected (lindane, DDT‐complex and heptachlor epoxide) were significantly low. The values ranged from 0.001 to 0.014 ng#shml. In the fish sample, on the other hand, more significant concentrations were obtained, ranging from 0.70‐1.5 ng#shg.

The insecticides were analysed by gas liquid chromatography with ⁶³Ni electron capture detector. Analysis of metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb and As) was accomplished by atomic absorption spectrophoto‐metry. The concentration levels were comparable with levels obtained in other parts of Africa.

Key words:

• Insectides
• Metals
• Nigeria
• River