ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC MATTER AND CARBONATE MINERAL DISTRIBUTION IN SHALLOW WATER SURFACE SEDIMENTS

Abstract

Some rivers deliver sediments that are rich in organic materials into estuaries and the open ocean, providing a food source for bacteria and zooplankton. Carbonate mineral (CM) distribution is helpful in comparing biogenic, (shell material)
authigenic, (commonly aragonite) and carbonate abundance patterns in sediments. Organic matter in sediment consists of carbon and nutrients in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and nucleic acids. Three samples at a distance of 100meters apart were collected from two rivers (Ome and Ona) draining Ago-Iwoye and its environs. The samples were analysed and the results were interpreted empirically. For both rivers, a strong relationship exists between %(OC) and %(OM) (where r=0.98 and 0.97 respectively). The test for significance of r, (p < 0.05) reveals a significant association between %OC and %OM across the two rivers. The high value of r clearly shows that input contributing to organic matter is constant and high and this include waste especially sewage effluents, plant and animal detritus flowing into the river from the catchments. This study reveals that environmental assessment of rivers becomes important to ensure healthy aquatic ecosystem for marine organisms and for proper functioning of river systems. It becomes therefore imperative to discourage anthropogenic activities that are inimical to river systems.