Heavy Metal and Microbial Assessment of Rivers in the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study assessed the heavy metal and microbial loads of Rivers in the Niger Delta basin. Mixed research design was adopted in this study. Nun River, Sagbama River, Andoni River, New Calabar River and Forcados River were purposively selected for the study. Grab method was used to collect the water samples. In each selected rivers selected, three water samples were collected at three different sampling points. The sampling points were about 500 meters apart from each other. Samples were collected against the flow of the water, where any flow was discernible. Water samples were collected at about 10-20cm depth. Determination of water quality was conducted in the laboratory. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the assembled data. Laboratory results of water quality analyses indicate that most heavy metals and microbial parameters measured were above the acceptable water quality standard which implies that the sampled Rivers are polluted. Seasonal variations were observed in the concentrations of heavy metals and microbial loads. Based on the results, it becomes expedient for aggressive public enlightenment to discontinue the practice where rivers are used as a receptacle for the dumping of all sorts of waste and also as pier toilet for defecation. There is therefore need for regular surveillance of rivers within the Niger Delta basin.