Abstract
A total of 8 samples were collected from strategic points along the Ugborikoko/Okere creek. The levels of the physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal pollutants were determined. Results of both physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metals revealed some degree of pollution in the creek. The mean values of pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and chloride were 6.8, 30.3°C, 106.53 NTU, 471.45 ohms/cm, 354.56 mg/l, 123.56 mg/l and 78.11 mg/l respectively. The average value obtained for oil and grease was 14.13 ppm. The average value for the heavy metals were 2.258 ppm for iron, 0.0729 ppm for cadmium, 0.4225 ppm for zinc, 0.0997 ppm for manganese, 0.0236 ppm for copper, 0.2117 ppm for nickel. The results obtained indicated a significant level of pollution of the Ugborikoko/Okere creek. It was observed that the levels of iron, lead, chromium, cadmium, manganese and nickel in the samples were not in compliance with recommended standards set by world health organization for inland (fresh) and potable water. Key words: Pollution, physico-chemical, heavy metals, Ugborikoko/Okere Creek.
Highlights
Water is the world’s most precious resource the quality of water has been a major factor in determining human welfare throughout history (Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry, 1993)
6 water samples collected from each sampling points were treated : i) Two of the samples were unpreserved and stored immediately after collection in iced cooler at a temperature of 4°C as required for physico-chemical processes (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 1986). ii) Two other samples in glass bottles were preserved with concentrated tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid at pH of 2 for oil and grease parameter
This was to prevent any trace of oil from adhering to the glass bottles such that all the oil will be in the samples. iii) The last set of water samples in plastic or polyethylene bottles were immediately acidified to a pH less than 2.0 with concentrated trioxonitrate (v) acid to prevent possible adsorption of metals on the container walls and in order to obtain total amount of metals (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 1986)
Summary
Water is the world’s most precious resource the quality of water has been a major factor in determining human welfare throughout history (Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry, 1993). In addition to having water to drink, people require it for a wide range of uses. This includes domestic purpose such as food preparation, laundry, hygiene purposes, irrigation, manufacturing, transportation, power generation, sports and recreation. Socio-economic progress is impossible without adequate supplies of quality water (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 1986). Man and his technology has become an enemy of nature. This is evident of his effect on the environment by his agricultural activities, heavy industrial activities, by construction works and other technological advancements. The consequences are introducing toxic chemical substances into the ecosystem resulting in pollution especially the environment
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