Ecological Risk Assessments of Heavy Metal Contamination in Water, Sediment and Biota of Otamiri and Imo Rivers, Nigeria

Heavy metals pollution of the environment is a serious concern because hazardous effects they pose to human health, ecosystems and other biological receptors. The aim this study was assess ecological risk exposure heavy physicochemical parameters around Otamiri Imo rivers in Etche Oyibo Local Government Areas Rivers State. Water, sediment, arrow head plant (Sagittaria latifolia) christmas bush Plant (Ceratopetalum gummiferum), tilapia fish samples (Oreochromis niloticus) cat (Clarias gariepinus) were collected at different points from five sample stations for wet dry seasons. These analyzed quantitatively levels contamination using assessment models associated with these contaminants. results metal analysis show that Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) biota ranged 0.000 – 1.254 mg/kg/day while water -0.322 mg/kg/day. target hazard quotient (THQ) 69.228 both river index values indicated significant public health 1.42 recorded Tilapia 33.14 Christmas plant. Cancer due had peak value 1.04 x10-1 season. bioaccumulation showed load 2.467- 5.822 season 9.708 99.853 presence above threshold suggest aquatic life inhabit such which may affect population depends on Otamiri/Imo fishing, drinking or irrigation. poses danger if take place over long period time.