Abstract:
The impact of anthropogenic activities such as mining, agriculture and urbanization is causing heavy metal contamination
in many freshwater ecosystems. The concentrations of eight elements (As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the Spekboom
River, South Africa, were studied using enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (
Igeo) to assess the extent of
pollution in the river. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed using sequential inductively coupled plasma—optical
emission spectrometry. The results showed deterioration of the sediment quality with high concentration of Cr and Ni at all
the sites, this is a reflection of contamination from the various anthropogenic activities in the area. The current levels of Cr
and Ni could be detrimental to the river and may pose a serious threat to the aquatic organisms and humans, as the sediment
could act as a secondary source of metal pollution in the water. It is therefore recommended that urgent action should be
taken to control effluents from anthropogenic activities to the river in order to prevent further pollution.
