Heavy Metal Geochemistry and Ecological Risk of Stream Sediments in the Orashi River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Key Points

• High levels of heavy metals in stream sediments pose significant ecological risks, affecting local biodiversity.
• Sediment samples show elevated concentrations of metals like lead and cadmium, indicating pollution concerns.
• Geochemical analysis identifies hotspots of contamination along the Orashi River, with implications for environmental health.
• The findings highlight the need for ecological assessments and cleanup efforts to mitigate heavy metal risks in freshwater ecosystems.