Asa River Research Articles

Seasonal variation and human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in pharmaceutical effluents around Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are widely released into the environment as a result of increased urban and industrial development in recent years. The bulk of PTEs are cancer-causing and harm human health by producing free radicals. As a result, it is crucial to monitor, evaluate, and limit the effects of the elements on human health. In this study, levels of PTEs (As, Cr, Cd, Ni, Co, and Pb) in pharmaceutical effluents discharged along the Asa River around the Ilorin metropolis and their seasonal variations were evaluated. Water samples were collected from eight different locations over a two-season period along the river and analyzed for PTEs using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Co had mean PTE values in the effluents (both seasons) of 0.0258, 0.0233, 0.00193, 0.0176, and 0.0164mg/L, respectively, with As and Pb surpassing the WHO standard. Maximum temperature and pH were measured for the physicochemical parameters in the wet season, whereas electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were seen in the dry season. The average values of the metals in the human risk assessment for carcinogenicity were As > Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni > Co, with As above the recommended threshold in several locations. However, all of the metal hazard indices were < 1, indicating that the waters were suitable for domestic purposes. Nonetheless, the relevant authorities should mandate that pharmaceutical effluents be treated before being released into bodies of water.

Flood frequency analysis of Asa River, Ilorin, Nigeria

Flooding poses a risk to human lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and the environment. Therefore, understanding the flood frequency patterns of the Asa River is crucial in developing effective flood management strategies. This study explores the statistical technique to understand the nature and magnitude of high discharge of floods in the Asa River, aiming at relating the magnitude of floods and their frequency of occurrence through probability distribution. The Gumbel Extreme Value Distribution method was used to analyze the 30 years (1991-2020) flood discharge data of River Asa which was collected from Lower Niger River Basin and Development Authority, Ilorin, and flood discharge for the return periods of 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, 50 years, 100 years, and 150 years, was predicted. From the observations of Gumbel’s distribution, the R2 value acquired from the trend line equation was 0.9227, indicating that Gumbel's extreme value distribution is suitable for estimating predicted river flood flow. The expected flood discharge for the return periods of the upcoming 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 50 years, 100 years, and 150 years, was estimated to be 43.19 m3/s, 51.12 m3/s, 55.60 m3/s, 58.73 m3/s, 63.11 m3/s, 68.58 m3/s, 75.96 m3/s, and 80.27m3/s respectively. The results obtained in this research would adequately serve as a planning guide for the decision makers on the development and flood risk management along Asa River, to achieve sustainable development and management, with a view of protecting lives and properties downstream of the watershed.

Water Quality Assessment, Antibiotic Resistance and Plasmid Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from Asa River, Ilorin, Nigeria

Water Quality Assessment, Antibiotic Resistance and Plasmid Profiles of Bacteria Isolated from Asa River, Ilorin, Nigeria

Toxicological assessment of ZnO-Vernonia amygdalina nanoparticle-treated Asa River water in albino rats

Traditional water purification methods are increasingly inadequate, leading to the exploration of novel approaches. This study investigated the application of plant-derived nanomaterials for heterogeneous photocatalytic water treatment using ZnO-Vernonia amygdalina nanoparticles (ZVAN). The study evaluated the efficacy of ZVAN in purifying Asa River water (ARW) and assessed its toxicological profile in rats. Synthesized ZVAN was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ARW samples were collected according to standard guidelines and their physicochemical and bacteriological properties were analyzed. ARW was treated with ZVAN and alum separately. The effects of both treatments on various hematological, liver, and kidney parameters in albino rats were compared after 30 days of daily administration. The total suspended matter (TSM) levels in untreated and treated ARW exceeded approved standards. ZVAN treatment effectively eliminated cadmium (Cd) from the water (from 0.1 ppm to 0). Thermotolerant coliforms and enteric bacteria were also undetectable in ZVAN-treated samples. Compared to the control group, untreated ARW significantly decreased red blood cell (RBC) count (6.86±0.56 vs 2.75±0.11, p<0.05), hemoglobin (10.68±0.81 vs 3.80±0.22, p<0.05), hematocrit (40.78±2.49 vs 15.15±0.95, p<0.05), white blood cell (WBC) count (9.85±0.73 vs 1.60±0.08, p<0.05) and platelet count (377.75±26.96 vs 55.25±15.78, p<0.05). Additionally, statistically significant differences were observed in enzyme activities between experimental and control groups. This study demonstrates the high level of pollution in ARW. ZVAN treatment significantly reduced pollution and mitigated its associated detrimental effects, with minimal to no observed toxicity compared to alum treatment. These findings suggest the potential of ZVAN as a promising alternative for water purification.

Modelling flood hazards impacted by ungauged river in urbanised area using HEC-RAS and GIS

Ilorin City is located downstream of Asa, Oyun and Awun River Basins. The Asa River is a major river that traverses the city and divides the metropolitan area into east and west, almost equally. The river often overflows its banks to inundate adjacent communities, influencing severe economic damage and impact on human lives. However, efforts to mitigate this have majorly been focused on dredging the Asa River channel which has not solved the problem. For an accurate spatial and temporal understanding of the risks of floods and their potential hazards, it is important to estimate floods using river hydrology. The objective of this study is to model steady flow of the rivers using flow data and to map flood-prone areas in Ilorin using HEC-RAS integrated with GIS. Using the HEC-GeoRAS extension in the GIS environment, the geometric data of the rivers were obtained from the 30 m resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and input into HEC-RAS applying Manning Co-efficient values of 0.04, 0.045, and 0.04. For each river, flow data (Q) was given as the upstream boundary condition while a normal depth of 0.001 was assigned for the downstream condition to model a steady flow and inundation extents. The result of the HEC-RAS model has shown the flood-prone areas along the river channels delineated. The floodplain map produced reveals the spatial distribution and extent of the high flood-risk areas in the Ilorin metropolis. The total flooded area covers approximately 60.95 km2 (18%) majorly along the river channels. This study has demonstrated that integration of hydraulic modelling using HEC-RAS and GIS process is capable of producing an inundation flood map with good accuracy that will aid in suggesting effective measures to mitigate the impact of flooding.

Quantitative Evaluation of Phthalate Esters in Three Tributaries of Asa River, Ilorin, Nigeria

This paper focuses on the determination of both the presence and concentration of phthalate esters in three tributaries of Asa River in Kwara State, Nigeria.Water samples were collected at different points from each of the three tributaries (Unity, Osere and Yidi streams) and a total number of 18 samples were collected and the concentration of the prevailing phthalates was determined using GC-MS. Seven different phthalates were found present in the samples and they are: DMP, BBP, DEHP, DNOP, DEP, DBP, and DNHP. The concentration of DMP in the 18 samples ranged from 0.114 -0.525 μg/L, BBP (0.266-0.697 μg/L), DEHP (0.086- 0.198 μg/L), DNOP (0.062- 0.456 μg/L), DEP (0.162- 0.679 μg/L), DBP (0.168- 0.399 μg/L), and DNHP (0.010-0.064 μg/L). The total phthalate concentration in the three tributaries was lower than the USEPA limit of 3 μg/L for fishes and aquatic lives except for Unity stream where the total was 3.018 μg/L. This study was carried out during the rainy season and the result obtained here could be used as a reference for a further study during dry season to compare the impact of seasonal variation on the distribution and concentration of phthalate esters in the selected tributaries.

Bio treatment Strategies for the Removal of Phthalate Esters from Asa River using Chlorella vulgaris (MG257915) and Nannochloropsis sp (MG257918) as Biodegradation Tool

Bio treatment Strategies for the Removal of Phthalate Esters from Asa River using Chlorella vulgaris (MG257915) and Nannochloropsis sp (MG257918) as Biodegradation Tool

Evaluating the fate and potential health risks of organochlorine pesticides and triclosan in soil, sediment, and water from Asa Dam River, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria.

The quest for safe water due to exponential population growth and climate change has stressed the existing available water source. It is crucial to establish the present pollution level of the Asa River and the health risk it may pose to the people. Samples were collected along the Asa River, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, and treated using standard methods as stipulated by United States Environmental Protection Agency. The treated samples were analyzed and quantified for dieldrin, endrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane metabolites, mirex, hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, and triclosan using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The result showed that the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) ranged from 0.0045-0.947μg/kg, 0.0036-0.093μg/kg, and 0.001-0.007μg/L in sediment, soil, and water samples, respectively. While the mean concentration of triclosan is 3.78μg/kg, 2.995μg/kg, and 0.064μg/L in sediment, soil, and water samples, respectively. The levels of OCPs were lower than the limits in drinking water as set by World Health Organization and European Union. Health risk assessment for both children and adults was evaluated using non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk with the hazard quotient (HQ) and was found to be greater than unity (> 1) in children for the targeted OCPs. Associated cancer risk for OCPs ranged from low cancer risk to moderate risk for humans. The adverse ecological effects of OCPs showed to be very rare to occur and frequent effects may not likely occur except for HCH.

Induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage in two common fish species of rivers and reservoirs in Ilorin, Northcentral, Nigeria

Rivers and reservoirs around the world are becoming dumping sites for liquid and solid wastes which are toxic to the fish. The physicochemical parameters and ecotoxicological potential of fish species in Ilorin's major rivers and reservoirs were investigated. Water and fish samples were collected from five sites: Unilorin Reservoir (A), Apodu Reservoir (B), Asa Reservoir (C), Asa River (Harmony) (D), and Asa River (Unity) (E). Excluding rivers (D and E) with low dissolved oxygen (DO) and a slight increase in lead (Pb), all physicochemical parameters were within the NSDWQ and WHO criteria for drinking water. Fish samples at D and E showed changes in the serum biochemical and haematological profiles and induction of micronuclei (MN), nuclear abnormalities (NA) and DNA single-strand break. Antioxidant enzymes were also increased in the fish. Our findings show that water from D and E can cause cytogenotoxic in fish due to hypoxic conditions triggered by Pb. This study will provide valuable health risks and future river water treatment strategies.

Assessment of anthropogenic activities impacts on the water quality of Asa river: A case study of Amilengbe area, Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria

The study assessed the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the water quality of the Asa River within the case study area and the probable use of this river for agricultural purposes by estimating the Water Quality Index (WQI). Two sampling points were selected namely; upstream (A) and downstream (B). A total number of sixteen (16) samples were taken for four months (i.e two samples per month per sampling point). Temperatures were measured in-situ while other physicochemical and microbial parameters tests were conducted in the laboratory. The errors arising from environmental conditions were minimized by conducting the tests as soon as the samples were collected and the results were analyzed using both the descriptive and the inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation) on both Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. This study has revealed that the Asa River within the study area is polluted as a result of the impacts of the anthropogenic activities when the results of the analyzed water quality parameters downstream are significantly (p < 0.05, at a 95% confidence interval) higher than at the upstream except for pH, DO, BOD, and EC which are relatively higher at the upstream although the study indicated that the results were within the recommendations. This study recommends that the anthropogenic activities within this area be monitored as the urbanizations are rapidly taking place and the effects are polluting the water which is making it harmful not only to the ecosystems but also making unfit for possible drinking at the downstream. Also, the study has concluded that the changes in the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) 2016 – 2020 have no statistically significant effects on the physicochemical and microbial water quality of the Asa River. Therefore, as investigated by estimating the WQI, in its current form, the Asa River is fit for agricultural purposes (irrigation farming). However, this study recommended the treatment of this water before drinking as the water in its present form is unfit for drinking.

Histopathological Assessment of Gill Tissues in Two Selected Clariid Species Sampled from Asa River, Kwara State, Nigeria

Histopathological Assessment of Gill Tissues in Two Selected Clariid Species Sampled from Asa River, Kwara State, Nigeria

Regulation of Color, pH, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand of Asa River Water Using a Luffa cylindrica Biomass Packed Bed

Regulation of Color, pH, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand of Asa River Water Using a Luffa cylindrica Biomass Packed Bed

GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF SOILS AND METHODS OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT OF THE ASA RIVER

The article presents the results of studies of the geological structure of soils and methods of water resources management. From a geological point of view, the massif of the Asa River belongs to the complex of modern alluvial - proluvial deposits, contributes to their complex relationship in size and area, lithological differences [1]. In the valley of the Asa River, hydromorphic soils developed, influenced by shallow mineralized groundwater [2, 3]. The soil cover of desert areas consists of loose gray soil. Meadow-serozem irrigated loamy sandy soils, the parent rock is sandy loam, the bedding is sand [4]. The main source of irrigation for plants in the Asa river basin is surface water. However, during the growing season, there is an annual shortage of irrigation water; over the years of research, the water supply for 1 ha of irrigated land in the Zhambyl region was 3561 - 5988 m3/ha. The analysis of the water balance shows that irrigation along furrows increases the loss of water, the consumption of which is 2100 m3/ha [5]. When irrigating through the furrow, losses for consumption reduced to 600 m3/ha, i.e. 29% higher than furrow irrigation. Water-saving technology of irrigation through the furrow will allow: to reduce the size of water intake for irrigation to 15-35%; reduce economic costs; will increase the yield of agricultural products.

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Quality Assessment of a Segment of Asa River Water, Ilorin, Nigeria

The existence of all living organisms depends on water resource which is continually polluted, and is therefore of public health importance. This study investigated river water samples for physicochemical and bacteriological quality of post-office segment of Asa river in Ilorin using standard procedures and the isolates were also identified with standard methods. Eight selected antibiotics used were in this study to determine the trend of susceptibility of the microorganisms to some of the antibiotics. The values recorded for physicochemical parameters of the water samples were within the limits of WHO standard for safe drinking water. The temperature of the water samples ranged between 21.0 and 28.40C while water pH ranged from 7.1 to 7.5. The total heterotrophic count values ranged between 1.2×104 and 7.8×104 cfu/ml, total coliform count values ranged between 4.0×102 and 1.0×104 cfu/100ml, total fecal count values were between 0 and 5.9×103 cfu/100ml some of which were found to be higher than the WHO stipulated values prescribed for river water. Large amount of the bacteria isolated from this water indicated that the water source is a reservoir for many waterborne pathogens; this includes Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp., Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp. Approximately 75% of the isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin and 50% of the isolates were sensitive to gentamicin, while the entire organisms were resistant to augmentin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone. It was inferred that, the selected of segment of the river analyzed revealed high levels of pollution with antibiotic resistant organisms hence not suitable for human consumption without implementing appropriate purification and treatment regimen.

Assessment and Method of Water Resources Management in the Asa River Basin

The article presents the method of water resources management in the Asa river basin and indicators of water intake, water supply and assessment of water quality. Water is an economically important resource that determines the sustainability of a country’s development. New trends show that water issues are becoming more complex with other sectors, including agriculture, energy, industry, transport, and communications, as well as with social sectors: education, environment, and healthcare, rural or regional development. The rational use of water resources, as well as the protection of water resources and access to drinking water are an important priority for the world community. The Republic of Kazakhstan is no exception, since the deficit of water resources is growing every year. Today’s global challenges, especially climate change and population growth, are making the situation even more worrisome. Climate change is caused by dynamic processes on Earth, external influences such as fluctuations in the intensity of sunlight, and recent human activities. Consequently, in the conditions of Kazakhstan, where water resources are limited, and irrigation develops in various natural and climatic zones, further intensification of irrigated agriculture can be carried out through the development of environmentally friendly integrated technologies, ecological and reclamation management of water and land resources, ensuring a decrease in the amount of unproductive losses of irrigation water, as well as protection of water and land resources from pollution by collector-waste waters, leaching of organic substances and nutrients, the rate of salt accumulation in the root layer and the rate of alkalization and alkalinization processes. This approach is predetermined by the fact that the existing methods of water resources management inevitably lead to large losses of irrigation water for infiltration, discharge and evaporation, the value of which reaches 60–70% of the water intake.

Evaluation of Asa River Water in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria for Available Pollutants and their Effects on Mitosis and Chromosomes Morphology in Allium cepa Cells

T: This study evaluated water samples from Asa River in Kwara state, Nigeria, for cytogenotoxicity at 25.0 %, 50.0 %, 100.0 % following the Allium cepa assay. Onions were grown in the water samples for microscopic and macroscopic screenings. Heavy metals and volatile organic pollutants in the water were elucidated using AAS and GCMS techniques. The Water samples except the sample ‘C’ induced higher mitotic index (MI) than the negative control. Root growth was significantly promoted at 25.0 %, and significantly reduced at 50.0 % and 100.0 % of the sample ‘C’ and 100.0 % of the sample ‘A’. Water sample ‘A’ (100.0%) induced highest percentage chromosomal aberrations (CA) while the water samples ‘B’ and ‘C’ induced higher percentage CA than the negative control. Cadmium was detected at a concentration higher than its permissible limit in drinking water. Poly aromatic hydrocarbons, Aromatic amines, Acridine dye, Phenolic and Polychlorinated compounds were detected in the water sample. The observed proliferative, inhibitory, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the water samples on A. cepa cells suggest that Asa river was polluted, having potential to adversely affect humans, animals and plants utilizing it along its course.&#x0D; Keywords: Allium cepa; Asa River; cytogenotoxicity; Nigeria; pollutants

Preliminary Health Risk Assessment of Water from Asa River, Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria

This study was carried out to establish health impacts of some trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in Asa-river, using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer technique for the chemical analysis. Laboratory results show that Al, Fe and Mn average concentrations are higher than prescribed limits unlike others. The Contamination Indexes reveal that the elements are heavily loaded in the water. The exposure dose in both adults and children ranges from 0.021 in As to 181 in Fe (in adults) and from 0.068 in As to 576 in Fe (in children). The average Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for adults and children are generally lower than one except Mn that has average value greater than one in both age groups. However, for children, individual HQ in Fe in some of the locations are &gt;1. The Hazard Index (HI)for adults and children ranged from low to high. The average values of Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) are generally &lt;1. However, in children, values for Fe in some locations are &gt;1. The average Carcinogenic Risk (CR) of Cr and Pb computed for adults and children indicated that the values are greater than the risk limit of 10-6 and 10-4. This could result in potential health risk to the consumers. The sources of these trace elements are largely from various anthropogenic activities and slightly from weathering of rocks in the study area. It is recommended that adequate and well monitored precautions need to be taken to safeguard the health of the consumers especially the children with low immunity.

Pollution indices and health risk assessment of heavy metals in floodplain of urban catchment of Asa drainage systems, southwestern Nigeria

Urbanization and industrialization have significantly caused deterioration of surface waters. Since there is close association between river quality and its associated floodplain, the later could therefore provide a quality index of the former. This study examines heavy metal concentrations in floodplain sediment of urban catchment of Asa River and assessed associated risks. Samples were collected at 10 points but at interval of 5cm in vertical profile to a depth of 15cm. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) analyses were done for Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, Cu and Al. The following computational models were employed for risk analysis; Depth Ratio (DR), Contamination Factor (CF), Degree of Contamination (Cdeg), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Cancer Risk Index (CRI). Considerable degree of metal contamination was observed with various pollution levels from non-pollution with Ni, through moderate pollution with Pb, to a moderately strong pollution with Zn, Fe, Cu and Al. PLI revealed a baseline pollution level (PL ≈ 1) but contamination factor for each of Zn, Fe and Cu was considerable and may pose ecological threats and by extension, human health. Metal association reveals a positive correlation among all the metals evaluated (p < 0.05) which is suggestive of similar source. HQ via ingestion and dermal routes calculated were > 1 for both children and adult but< 1via inhalation. CRI for lead shows that children arepredisposed to cancer risks than adults. Hence, industrial activities in the urban catchment of Asa River must be monitored for environmental compliance.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF LAKE BILIKOL AFTER ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTION FROM THE ASA RIVER, KAZAKHSTAN

The ecological condition of Lake Bilikol under conditions of anthropogenic pollution from the Asa River has been recently documented. Major pollution events occurred in 1983-1984 and 1988 after the accidental release of industrial effluents from the Zhambyl Phosphorus Factory into the Asa River. This also became the starting point of environmental deterioration. In subsequent years, the flora and fauna of the lake were partially self-restored, but because of the impact of pollutants, the lake is still in the stage of severe degradation. This article examines changes in the ecological condition of Lake Bilikol under anthropogenic pollution inputs from the Asa River, which is the main source to the lake. This article also includes a description of the geographical location, information on lake fauna (fish stocks, water, and water birds), and hydrography and anthropogenic impacts. The level of anthropogenic impact and its duration over time, which multiplied after the accidental release of industrial wastewater from the Zhambyl phosphorus plant into the Asa riverbed in 1983-84 and 1988, is the starting point of ecological degradation of the lake and is reviewed in more detail. Chemical analysis results of water and soils of the lakebed, which are mainly polluted by phosphates and fluorides, and their transformation during the last 30 years are presented in methodical terms. In certain years, there was a partial self-restoration of the lake ecosystem (water quality, fauna, and flora). Nevertheless, the lake is currently experiencing severe ecological degradation because of the long-term influence of chemical pollutants. In the future, environmental protection measures are needed to plan practical measures for the rehabilitation of the lake using methods both for the acceleration of biological self-remediation and for hydro-mechanical cleaning of the lakebed and lake water.

Analysis of trace metals in maize plant of selected areas along discharge channels of Asa River, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

The levels of trace metals in maize plant from nine selected areas along the Asa River discharge channels in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, were determined using HACH DR/EL 5 spectrophotometer. The results show that levels of Pb, Cr, Cu, Co, Ba ranged from 0.04±0.01, 0.17±0.07, 0.32±0.02, 0.01±0.01, 0.34±0.03 during dry season, while rainy season recorded 0.10±0.01, 0.14±0.04, 0.43±0.10, 0.07±0.03, 0.45±0.13 mg/kg respectively. Values obtained are comparable with those available in literature and within tolerable limits of some regulatory authorities for both seasons, except Cu and Ba which were above the acceptable limits of 0.05-0.5 mg/kg and 0.07 mg/kg respectively