Modelling Redox Kinetics and Trace Metal Dynamics in Waterlogged Agricultural Soils of Biase and Yakurr LGAs of CRS, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67254/14dnjd27Keywords:
Oxic, Suboxic, Anoxic, waterlogged soil, environmental chemistry, redox kineticsAbstract
This study investigated the spatial distribution and redox kinetic dynamics of selected heavy metals in waterlogged agricultural soil in the Yakurr and Biase Local Government Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from twelve farm locations, namely Ekori, Nko, Akpet, Umon, Abini, Agwagune, Mkpani, Idomi, Adim, Ugep, Inyima, and Abaribara. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), were measured in situ using a Hanna HI98194 multiparameter meter. Heavy metal concentrations were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (PerkinElmer AA Analyst 400) following acid digestion. A first-order redox kinetic model was used to interpret the transformation and mobility of redox-sensitive metals under varying geochemical conditions. The results showed that pH ranged from 6.29 to 6.77, temperature from 26.5 to 32.1°C, EC from 84 to 365 µS/cm, and ORP from 301 to 467 mV. Copper recorded its highest concentration at Umon (0.9970), while nickel was highest at Idomi (1.8397), followed by Ugep (0.9683) and Inyima (0.8714). Arsenic was detected at Idomi, Inyima, Ugep, and Abini, with the highest concentration at Abini (0.1253). Mercury and selenium were not detected in the investigated samples. Idomi, Inyima, and Ugep generally exhibited elevated concentrations of several metals, indicating spatial variability in metal distribution. The redox interpretation suggested that the investigated waterlogged environments were influenced by iron and manganese reduction processes, with implications for trace metal release, retention, and transport. The findings demonstrate that redox conditions, mineral interactions, and site-specific geochemical characteristics contribute to heavy metal behaviour in waterlogged agricultural ecosystems. The study provides baseline information for assessing metal contamination and developing geochemical models to predict metal mobility and environmental risk in the study area.
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