Physicochemical properties, total hydrocarbon content, and trace metals of water and sediments from major River Estuaries within the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Godwin Asukwo Ebong Godwin Asukwo Ebong,Richard Christopher John Richard Christopher John

doi:10.30574/wjarr.2021.12.2.0650

Godwin Asukwo Ebong Godwin Asukwo Ebong, Richard Christopher John Richard Christopher John

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2021.12.2.0650

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Abstract

Water and sediment samples from Cross River, Imo River, and Qua Iboe River Estuaries were collected and treated using standard analytical procedures. The samples were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, total hydrocarbon content (THC), and trace metals. Results obtained revealed that, the mean levels of total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, colour, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), THC, cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in water were higher than their acceptable limits in Nigeria. Whereas, the mean levels water pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, and copper (Cu) were within their acceptable limits. The results obtained also revealed that, the mean levels of nitrate, THC, and Fe in sediments were higher than their recommended limits. While the levels of pH, EC, sulphate, phosphate, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sediments were within their recommended limits. This study indicated that the anthropogenic activities by oil and oil-related companies within the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria may have contributed significantly to the high level of toxic substances in the water channels within the zone. The results obtained revealed that, the direct or indirect exposure to untreated water from the studied water channels may result in serious health challenges. Hence, the environment should be closely monitored to forestall a devastating situation in the region.

Highlights

Water is one of the major six (6) classes of food needed by all biological systems including human
This study indicated that the anthropogenic activities by oil and oilrelated companies within the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria may have contributed significantly to the high level of toxic substances in the water channels within the zone
This research has shown the variations in the physicochemical properties, nutrients, total hydrocarbon content, and trace metals in water and sediments from Cross River, Imo River, and Qua Iboe River Estuary

Summary

Introduction

Water is one of the major six (6) classes of food needed by all biological systems including human. When human beings are exposed to a highly contaminated water either directly or indirectly it becomes harmful. The oil exploration and exploitation activities within the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria has contributed significantly to the accumulation of toxic substances in the aquatic ecosystem within the region. Studies have revealed the high levels of toxic substances in water bodies within the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria [1, 2,3,4,5]. Studies have shown that most deaths within the developing nations of the world are caused by water related diseases [7, 8]. According to Shyamala et al [9] contaminated water bodies are channels for transmitting disease causing organisms and deadly chemicals into the human system. The interaction between the studied rivers and the Atlantic Ocean at the estuary might elevate the contaminants in these water channels

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Conclusion