Assessment of farmland sediments after flooding in Ubeji Land in Niger Delta of Nigeria.

A study was conducted to evaluate ten heavy metals in dry sediment samples used to assess the contamination of farmland in Niger Delta after a protracted flooding. Eighteen sediment samples in six locations were collected. Niger Delta is a major industrial area where Nigeria petrochemical company is located. These sediments were subjected to analysis using standard methods for the examination of the soil samples. Results showed a trend toward induction of environmental contamination with Zn, Cu, Fe, Hg and Pb on the farmland. Mercury and Lead are disproportionately higher than other sediment elements. Concentrations of these sediment elements are above compliance limit for Nigeria and these may have long-term adverse effects on soil and vegetation.