Organic Carbon (OC) and Organic Matter (OM) in Sediments Collected from Two Wetlands in Central Bida Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

An improvised auger sediment sampler was used to collect sediments at shallow depths from two wetlands in the Northern Bida Basin for laboratory studies in order to ascertain the impact on the chemical quality of groundwater within these two studied locations. The dissolved organic carbon content of water is an important component of the geochemical cycling of elements capable of affecting groundwater quality. The sediments which serve as a conduit and pathways for the elements’ transport depending on the characteristics of the particle sizes are to be considered in the evaluation of contaminant mobility within the pathways. Representative cored sediment samples were collected and their particle size characterization and chemical analysis for Organic Matter (OM), Organic Carbon (OC) and Moisture Content (MC) were carried out. The hydrometer results show that the sediment particle sizes are in the order of sand > clay > silt in both locations with few exceptions. This represents the geology of the area (sandstone). The Mean values of 1.14% and 1.98% of OC and OM respectively were recorded in the sediment samples collected in parts of Ebgako. In contrast, 1.72% and 2.97% mean values were recorded in sediments collected in part of Bida for OC and OM respectively. The values of the OC and OM in the sediments from the two wetlands are low and may have been dissolved along the groundwater pathways to the aquifer. Other physicochemical parameters analysed in the sediments showed poor correlation. OM and OC were strongly positively correlated and showed an R2 value of 1 and 0.9 respectively for parts of the Bida and Egbako sheets. There is low acidity of the sediments from the two study locations with a mean pH value of 5.64 and 5.13 respectively for Egbako and Bida. The low acidic nature of the sediments and the OM and OC composition have the potential to influence biogeochemical processes in the sediments and can affect the chemical quality of the groundwater in these two study locations.