Federal Environmental Protection Agency Research Articles

Assessment of Quality of Wastewater Being Used in Irrigating Soils under Urban Agriculture in Zaria Urban Area

The cultivation of food crops in open spaces of cities in the developing world is very common but has not attracted the research attention it deserves. In most areas, the practice relies on the use of wastewater derived from urban sources (houses, industries, markets, public institutions etc) to irrigate soils along the floodplains of streams that drain an urban area. Because such wastewater may be containing some pollutants, concerns are increasingly been raised as to whether urban agriculture is not a threat to public health. There are valid reasons to be so concerned because a wastewater typically contains some pollutants like heavy metals, with tendency to cause several health problems. To ascertain this, a study was conducted to evaluate the quality of wastewater being used in irrigating soils under urban agriculture in Kubanni basin of Zaria area. The results obtained indicate that though there is a presence of As, Fe, Cr, As, Cu, Zn, Mn and Pb in wastewater being used in UPA irrigation practices in the area, their concentrations are generally below the maximum permissible limits set by Nigeria’s Federal Environmental Protection Agency for irrigation. However because of the tendency of the metals to accumulate in soils, it is expected that the metals could possibly have been accumulating in the irrigated soils and the crops being grown on them. Thus further studies are required to establish the extent to which this is so. Nonetheless, it would be worthwhile for the farmers to start some significant purification of wastewater in the area to make it safe for irrigating the soils since there are valid fears to be concerned about possibility of heavy metals build up in the soil.

Air and noise pollution effects on air quality in peacock paint industry, Ikot Ekan, Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Eight sampling locations in the study area were assessed for some air pollutants, level of noise pollution and some meteorological parameters. Portable handheld air monitor was used to measure air pollutants, a sound level meter and anemometer for level of noise and meteorological parameters respectively. Results showed that the highest concentrations of Nitrogen dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, Hydrogen Sulphide and Suspended particulate matter were recorded in indoor II while those for Carbon monoxide and Chloride were recorded in outdoor I. The outdoor locations recorded higher mean noise level and temperature (76.1 dB (A), 30.05°C) than the indoor locations (70.95 dB (A), 27.03°C). On the other hand, the indoor locations recorded higher mean relative humidity (62.8%) than the outdoor locations (48.25%). Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed only in the mean concentration of Chloride in the two environments. The mean concentrations of NO2, SO2, H2S, CO and Cl2 were above the permissible limit of Federal Environmental Protection Agency thus posing environmental risks. Appropriate vehicle emission management should be considered; air and noise pollution control agencies should intervene to reduce the risks associate with these pollutants and improve the air quality of the study area.

Effects of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Corporation Effluents on the Abundance and Distribution of Phytoplankton Community along River Rido, Kaduna, Nigeria

The effects of effluent discharged from Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Corporations (KRPC) on the Phytoplankton species distribution and abundance was studied along river Rido for a period of twelve months from February 2013 to January 2014. A total of Ninety-three (93) species of phytoplankton distributed in five divisions were recorded from four different study stations (A, B, C and D) along the river. Random sequential sampling was employed for selecting a sampling station. Physicochemical parameters were determined in accordance with the standard procedure for wastewater assessment guidelines of American Public Health Association (APHA). Phytoplankton identification was done using appropriate reference materials. The phytoplankton community was dominated by Bacillariophyta9 constituting 78.98% with 41 species, followed by Chlorophyta (6.67%) having 25 species, and then Cyanophyta (6.46%) having 12 species, while 10 species of Dinophyta and 5 species of Euglenophyta constituting 5.42% and 2.49% respectively were observed. The results from the study revealed low density of phytoplankton in station B, while high density of phytoplankton was observed in stations A and D. The physicochemical parameters showed both seasonal and spatial variations. Values of some parameters studied were observed to be above Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) limits at station B. Thus, effluent from KRPC is a source of contamination of water quality and adversely affects phytoplankton community along river Rido. Therefore, effluent retention facility should be established for long term treatment of effluent before discharge into the river

Assessment of Vehicular-Induced Emissions in some Selected Areas in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Vehicular emission is a major environmental health problem in the world today especially in developing countries including Nigeria. This study was centered on assessing the vehicular emissions pollutants such as Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), Formaldehyde (HCHO) and Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The sampling of the CO and H2S gaseous pollutants was done using H-4S gas analyzer while JCG60 gas detector was used to measure TVOC and HCHO. The meteorological parameters were measured with HTC-1 hygrometer thermometer. AQI was calculated to determine the status of the ambient air quality of the study areas. Carbon monoxide concentration obtained from the result ranges from 3.12-16.1 ppm with location C having the highest amount of 16.1 ppm which exceeds the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) standard of 10 ppm. The calculated AQI shows that the study areas are all polluted. Continuous measurement and inventory of air pollutants should be encouraged, as this will enable the policymakers to effectively implement control measures on air pollution.

Assessment of the Properties of Soil in Flooded and Upland Forest Areas in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters in the world, claiming more lives and causing more property damages than any other natural phenomena. In recent times, the incidence of flooding across Nigeria has left both the government and the governed devastated. It is no longer news that flooding and its attendant consequences are injurious to man while the spatial dimensions are often not mapped. This study, therefore, Analysis of Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils in flooded and Upland Forest areas of Yola-North. Flood analysis for low, medium and high flow regimes showed that physical and chemical properties of soils are being affected. Longitudinal and cross section profiles depict the trend in which sediment loads are transported by flood and presence of boulders along the Benue channel. Sustainable measures such as review of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) 1999 flood combat measures, dredging of the Benue and relocation of people living near river banks were suggested for the management of flooding in Adamawa State

Industrial pollution and vegetable farming in sharada industrial layout of Kano municipal area council

This work examined the effects of industrial effluents on surface water used for vegetable irrigation in Kano City of Kano State. As the population of Kano increases, more demand is placed on these industries for products thus leading to the generation of large volumes of effluents that are discharged directly into nearby streams without treatment. The usage of this surface water for vegetable irrigation by a significant number of vegetable farmers is a matter of major concern due to the presence of pollutants. Some of the field measurements were carried out insitu while others were taken to the laboratory for analysis. Groundwater samples were taken from a borehole and two hand-dug wells while surface water was taken from point of discharge and two other points along the Challawa River which is the main source of water for vegetable irrigation. Composite soil samples were taken from four points within the vegetable farms. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Ministry of Environment standards were used as baseline standards for limits. Results show that presence of Fe, Pb, Mn, Cr and Cd were found to be above the FMEnv limits in the soil, the presence of SO4, Cu and K were also found to be above the FMEnv limits as well in groundwater while BOD, NO2 and Cr were above the FEPA limit for surface water. Some of the recommendations include constant monitoring for the presence of heavy metals in soils and irrigation water and that the need for the construction of both primary and secondary treatment plants has become essential.

Toxicity potential of automobile carbon monoxide emission along a majour highway in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the toxicity potential of carbon monoxide along a major highway in Sango-Ota, an emerging city, in Nigeria. Ambient air carbon monoxide was monitored and measured at ten different locations using the GM8805 benetech carbon monoxide monitor. Coca-Cola junction was selected as the control location for this study. The 1-hr averaging period measured for carbon monoxide concentrations within the selected locations ranged between 25.2 ppm and 29.3 ppm while at the control point, it was measured to be 8 ppm. The extrapolated 8-hr averaging period for carbon monoxide concentration ranged between 14.076 ppm and 16.366 ppm with the concentration at the control point being at 4.4688 ppm. The extrapolated 24-hr averaging period for carbon monoxide concentration ranged between 10.357 ppm and 12.042 ppm with the concentration at the control point being 3.288 ppm. An assessment of toxicity potential of these locations based on Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) statutory limits were all above unity (one) except at the control location and this poses as a threat to human lives. These values showed unhealthy air conditions at these regions of the emerging city. This study establishes that traffic congestions contribute significantly to the ambient air thereby reducing its quality thus calls for the attention of regulatory bodies to rise to protection of commuters and businessmen along the major highways in emerging cities in Nigeria.

Picking Up Where the TMDL Leaves Off: Using the Partnership Wild and Scenic River Framework for Collaborative River Restoration

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects less than ¼ of a percent of the United States’ river miles, focusing on free-flowing rivers of good water quality with outstandingly remarkable values for recreation, scenery, and other unique river attributes. It predates the enactment of the Clean Water Act, yet includes a clear anti-degradation principle, that pollution should be reduced and eliminated on designated rivers, in cooperation with the federal Environmental Protection Agency and state pollution control agencies. However, the federal Clean Water Act lacks a clear management framework for implementing restoration activities to reduce non-point source pollution, of which bacterial contamination impacts nearly 40% of the Wild and Scenic Rivers. A case study of the Musconetcong River, in rural mountainous New Jersey, indicates that the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act can be utilized to mobilize and align non-governmental, governmental, philanthropic, and private land-owner resources for restoring river water quality. For example, coordinated restoration efforts on one tributary reduced bacterial contamination by 95%, surpassing the TMDL goal of a 93% reduction. Stakeholder interviews and focus groups indicated widespread knowledge and motivation to improve water quality, but resource constraints limited the scale and scope of restoration efforts. The authors postulate that the Partnership framework, enabled in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, facilitated neo-endogenous rural development through improving water quality for recreational usage, whereby bottom-up restoration activities were catalyzed via federal designation and resource provision. However, further efforts to address water quality via voluntary participatory frameworks were ultimately limited by the public sector’s inadequate funding and inaction with regard to water and wildlife resources in the public trust.

Sewage Water Treatment Analysis Using Activated Charcoal in Packed Column

The research study analyzed sewage water from Eagle Island Nkpolu-Oroworukwo community, Port Harcourt and its treatment with activated charcoal for its re-application. The water sample collected was analyzed experimentally for both untreated and treated samples to determine pH, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Total Solid, Total Hardness, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Phosphate (PO4), and Nitrate (NO3). Also, water quality index (WQI) and status of water was also investigated to know the quality of untreated and treated water sample by analyzing ten parameters based on the recommended standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) for water quality. The water quality index values for the untreated and treated samples are 108.213 and 40.024 respectively. The values of the water quality index showed that the untreated sewage water belongs to grade E, hence its unsuitability while that of the treated water sample showed a good quality water as it belongs to grade B that falls between the range of 25 – 50. Thus, water quality index is applied as a tool for comparing water quality of different sources and locations and sewage water treatment with activated charcoal in a packed column is an effective tool for sewage water treatment.

Impact Assessment of a Solid Waste Dump Site on it Host Environment: Noise and Particulate Matter

Burning of solid waste openly has contributed greatly to the degradation of ambient air quality, thus having a harmful effect on environment, animals, materials and human. This study employs a mass-based solid waste characterization method and also looks at the parameter such as ash content of the solid waste. Met One GT 331 mass monitor was employed to assess the levels of particulate matter and Total suspended particles (TSP) at ten sampling points on a dumpsite when the solid wastes were combusted. Noise level of the dumpsite was measured using digital sound level meter. The study characterized 35.151 kg of solid waste with food waste, nylon, plastic, metals, paper and textile contributing to the major components in the study area with 23.46%, 27.64%, 7.30%, 3.29%, 24.32%, and 13.98% respectively. The percentage ash content of the study were 7.12%, 7.09%, 21.41%, 29.16%, 8.88% and 7.58% for food waste, nylon, plastic, paper, textile and composite waste. The noise level were ranged 14.30 db(A) – 57.30 db(A). The 24 hr extrapolated concentrations for PM2.5, PM10 and TSP were ranged 1.97 – 23.48 µg/m3, 12.70 – 796.62 µg/m3 and 17.38 - 882.27 µg/m3 respectively. The noise level at the solid waste dumpsite were within the acceptable limit by Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA, 1991). The extrapolated concentration for TSP breach the standard limit by FEPA for two days of the study. It is observed that the ambient air quality is fairly polluted as regards the level of particulate matter in the study area.

Health risk assessment of levels of some toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of some commercial soft drinks commonly consumed among students of Nnamdi Azikiwe university, Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria

Food Safety is of growing concern globally, and more so considering the relatively high proportion of soft drinks in the beverage market worldwide, and its rate of consumption especially amongst the youths. It is essential to evaluate the levels of toxic metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) residues of which when present in soft drinks above the permissible limits could pose serious public health risk. The aim of this present study was to assess the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd ,As) and Polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs) in 16 commercial soft drinks marketed in Awka, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy(AAS) and Flame Ionization detector (GC-FID), respectively. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment were performed using the method established by United State Environmental Protection agency(USEPA).The data obtained were compared with the permissible limit set for drinking water by United State Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA),World Health Organization (WHO),Standard Organization of Nigeria(SON) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency(FEPA). The highest mean level of 0.6116 mg/l is related to Pb and the lowest of 0.0028mg/l related to Hg. The mean levels of the metals increased in this order: Hg<As<Cd<Pb. For the PAHs, using Benzo(a)pyrene as the benchmark for other PAHs congeners because of its strong carcinogenic potency, is not detected in this study, and thus pose no health risk. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Hg in the studied samples is less than 1. Pb levels in75% the studied samples had THQ>1, and thus, pose a health risk. The hazard index, calculated as the combined risk of heavy metal toxicity is greater than unity (HI>1).The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values estimated for Pb, As and Cd in the sample were 6.25%,31.25% and 25% ,respectively, representing higher than acceptable risk value of (10-6 -10-4) . The results raise a concern for the public exposed with respect to As and Cd carcinogenic risk values. Â

Investigation of air emissions from artisanal petroleum refineries in the Niger-Delta Nigeria

The increase in price of the available refined petroleum products for local consumption in Nigeria had led to the emergence of indigenous technology for petroleum refining in some parts of the Niger Delta region. This study, therefore characterized and quantified artisanal refineries’ gaseous emissions for possible air pollutants based on various unit operations involved and evaluated their impacts. It measured the emissions directly from source using E8500 Portable Combustion Analyzer. It also categorized oven sizes/processing capacity of the refineries into various ranges in order to estimate emissions according to processing capacity. The result revealed that; pollutants emission varied significantly between the unit operations and increased with increase in processing capacity. When the emissions were compared with daily limits set by the Environmental Guidelines and Standard for Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN) 2002, the emissions (CO, NOx, and SO2) breached the available set limits. While with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), 1991 set limits for emissions from stationary source; HC and CO breached their limits. SO2 and H2S breached their lower limits but were below the upper limit, while NOx emissions were found within its set limit. The study concluded that, Nigeria Artisanal Petroleum Refineries are sources of air pollution, as they impact the host environment.

Bacteriological and heavy metal status of water and fish samples from Jebba Lake – Nigeria

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of bacterial isolates in water and fish samples (Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus) from Jebba Lake were carried out using primary isolation media and microbact identification kits. The concentration of heavy metals, Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Arsenic (As) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Samples were collected from five (5) different stations. Station Jl.1 and Jl.2 are located at the upper course of the lake and were characterized by high human activities (washing, bathing, mining and animal husbandry operations) especially in sample station Jl.2. Sample station Jl.3 has low human activities, however it has a tributary with high mining activities. Station Jl.4 has high domestic washings but low animal husbandry operation and low mining activities. Station Jl.5 has low domestic washings, low animal husbandry operation and low mining activities. Mean faecal coliform count of sample station Jl.1 (580.83 CFU/100ml) and station Jl.2 (700.83 CFU/100ml) were above maximum permissible limit for Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). Faecal coliform count of sample stations Jl.3, Jl.4 and Jl.5 were below maximum permissible limit. Maximum faecal coliform count during the wet season was 1600.00 CFU/100ml, while the maximum count during the dry season was 920.00 CFU/100ml. Bacterial species such as Aeromonas caviae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens – 25, Escherichia coli, Moraxella species, Mannheimia (pasturella) haemolytica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens – 35, Escherichia hermannii were found in water samples and species such as Vibrio alginolyticus, Moraxella species, Escherichia hermannii, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila were isolated from fish intestines and gills. Concentration of Cu, Cr and As in water was observed to be within permissible limit but the concentration of Pb and Cd were above tolerable limit. In fish organs, the concentration of heavy metals were within permissible limit except that of Pb and As in Oreochromis niloticus fish intestines (ONFI) (0.38±0.00 and 0.03±0.00 respectively) and Clarias gariepinus fish intestines (CGFI) (0.40±0.00 and 0.03±0.01 respectively) which were above maximum permissible limit by standard organizations.
 Key words: Jebba Lake, water, fish, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, bacteria, heavy metals

Evaluation of some heavy metals and physicochemical properties of public refuse dumpsites in Nsukka metropolis, Nigeria.

This study assessed some physicochemical properties and heavy metal contamination of four major dumpsites in Nsukka metropolis. Soil samples were collected randomly at depth of 15cm. Physicochemical properties were determined. Levels of lead, chromium, iron, manganese, zinc, cadmium, and copper were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophometer (AAS). Soil pH ranged 5.68-6.82, temperature 25.30-29.67° C, and moisture 2.23-7.66%. Soil particle size distribution had higher percentages of sand 40-55% followed by silt 15-35% and clay 10-30%. Average levels of Pb, Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, and Cu from the dumpsites ranged from 0.08 ± 0.04mg/kg to 1.40 ± 0.15mg/kg, 0.17 ± 0.09mg/kg to 1.66 ± 0.87mg/kg, 14.05 ± 5.13mg/kg to 21.08 ± 0.01mg/kg, 4.47 ± 0.54mg/kg to 16.83 ± 0.80mg/kg, 9.10 ± 3.05mg/kg to19.33 ± 0.12mg/kg, 0.02 ± 0.01mg/kg to 1.15 ± 0.30mg/kg, and 0.77 ± 0.26mg/kg to 7.29 ± 2.65mg/kg, respectively. Heavy metal profile in the dumpsite soils was Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd. Heavy metal load by dumpsites was Obimo > Ikenga Hotel > UNN > Obukpa. All the heavy metals evaluated except Fe increased as pH, temperature, and sand contents of dumpsite soil increased. Retention of Fe by soil was positively related to its clay contents. The values of heavy metals in soils from the dumpsites were far below the permissible limits set by European Regulatory Standard (EURS STD), US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) for standard soil. The dumpsites require no remediation as at the time of this study.

Toxicity assessment of African locust bean effluents on agricultural soil and aquatic organism at Jimba- Oja and Temidire locust bean (<i>Parkia biglobosa</i>) processing centers

Indiscriminate processing of agricultural produces has led to the alteration of agricultural soil and aquatic habitat, consequently threatening food security, human health and natural population size of aquatic organisms. This study investigated chemical properties of the soil at Jimba- Oja and Temidire locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) processing centres. The static bioassays were also performed on Clarias gariepinus to evaluate the median lethal concentrations of the locust bean effluents within 72 and 96 hours. Physico-chemical parameters of effluents showed that pH was slightly acidic (6.44 to 6.73 respectively). The dissolved oxygen ranged from 6.48 to 6.73 mg/L and phosphate from 67.52 to 82.60 mg/L. The concentration of copper, iron, nickel ranged from 6.77 to 8.84, 32.57 to 47.67 and 0.21 to 1.04 mg/L respectively. These parameters exceeded the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) permissible limits. The Effluents from Parkia biglobosa impacted soil with high concentrations of heavy metals ranging from: copper 4.72 to 5.02, cadmium 0.03 to 0.35, iron 51.82 to 76.41 and nickel 0.13 to 0.05 at processing centers compared to the control site. Toxicity assessments indicated that the mortality increased with increase in effluent concentration. LC tests (36 %:72 hours), (20 %: 96 hours), (30.1 %: 50 72 hours) and (20 %: 96 hours) concentrations were carried out for Jimba-oja and Temidire respectively and the sublethal dose of below 7.5 % for both Parkia biglobosa processing centers were obtained. The study concluded that releasing Parkia biglobosa effluent to the environment have negative impacts on agricultural soil and aquatic organisms. There is therefore need for relevant government agencies to control indiscriminate discharge of these effluents into the environment untreated.
 Keywords: Locust bean effluent, Toxicity, Agric soil, Aquatic Organism

Impact of Abattoir Wastes on Trace Metal Accumulation, Speciation, and Human Health–Related Problems in Soils Within Southern Nigeria

The slaughtering of animals and processing of meats for human consumption generates enormous wastes which are not properly managed in most developing nations including Nigeria. Majority of people in Akwa Ibom state in southern Nigeria depend on meat as their major source of protein, and abattoir wastes are applied in farms as organic manure by some farmers. This study examined the role of abattoir-related waste products in the physicochemical properties, total metal, and metal speciation of the soil. The data obtained were also subjected to some treatments using some environmental models to establish the degree of contamination by the parameters determined, studied locations, and the associated human health problems. Samples were collected from 5 designated abattoirs in Akwa Ibom state. Thirty composite samples were used for the research. Results obtained showed higher levels of pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity in the abattoir waste–impacted soils than in the control plot. Levels of pseudo total heavy metals were also higher in the studied soils than in the control plot. The mean values of the metals are below 400, 85, 140, 36, 100, and 35 mg/kg of recommended limits for Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni, respectively by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) in Nigerian soil. The results also revealed that Fe and Cr existed mainly in residual fraction. However, Zn, Cu, and Ni existed principally in the form bound to organic matter/sulfide. In addition, we detected that Pb existed mainly in the reducible fraction. Disparities were also observed in the speciation results of the metals between the studied soils and the control plot. Principal component analysis (PCA) indentified that both the geogenic and anthropogenic factors contributed to the accumulation of metals determined in the studied soils. Variable relationships were also observed for the heavy metals determined in the studied soils. Fe showed a high-risk potential, and children were more vulnerable due to its toxicity. We conclude this study was able to expose the consequences of indiscriminate dumping of abattoir wastes on the quality of soil and the associated human health problems.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus) samples from Uta-ewa creek, Imo river estuary, South eastern Nigeria

Heavy metal (HM) contents in periwinkle from Uta Ewa creek, Imo river estuary, Southeastern Nigeria were investigated. Samples were collected from the offshore landing fisher folks during July-November 2018. HM was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer-varian model spectral AA 220. The concentration values of cadmium were ranged from 0.59 to 0.935mg/kg (mean±SD=0.68±0.13mg/kg), chromium from 0.31 to 0.82mg/kg (mean±SD=0.60±0.26mg/kg), copper from 2.02 to 2.37mg/kg (mean±SD=2.27±0.14mg/kg), iron from 1.83 to 3.03mg/kg (mean=2.36±0.51mg/kg), Pb from 0.02 to 0.22mg/kg (mean±SD=0.13±0.94mg/kg), Manganese from 1.03 to 0.22mg/kg (mean±SD=0.13±0.073mg/kg) and zinc from 1.08 to 2.29 mg/kg (mean±SD=1.70±0.50mg/kg). The results showed that concentrations of Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn were higher in periwinkle than other metals (Cu and Pb) determined, the values of which were opposed to the FEPA (Federal Environmental Protection Agency) and WHO (World Health Organization) permissible limits for ingestion of this aquatic resource. There were no significant variations recognized among the monthly accumulation of metals by the species. The results obtained from the present study revealed an evidence of the periwinkle fauna to bio-concentrate these heavy metals.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Physicochemical Parameters of Oil-contaminated Soil and Water Samples from Bonny, South-South, Nigeria

This study analyzed physical, chemical and selected heavy metals concentration of oil-polluted soil and water samples from Bonny, South-South, Nigeria. Unpolluted soil and water samples were used as controls. The pH of the test soil sample was acidic (4.24±0.03) when compared with control (7.6±0.05). Chloride, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Potassium concentrations of the test soil samples were 1151.614±0.37 mg/g, 1.23±0.02 mg/g, 11.27±0.34 mg/g and 11.52±0.5 mg/g respectively. Selected heavy metals such as Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu) showed that Hg and As were below detectable limits in test and control samples while Cd and Pb were below detectable limit in the control sample while test sample had 0.015±0.01 mg/g and 1.73±0.04 mg/g respectively. Fe and Cu contents were high at 38.7±0.13 mg/g and 5.49±0.05 mg/g when compared with the control at 3.52±0.02 mg/g and 1.08±0.03 mg/g. Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Total Organic Matter (TOM) were at 5.93±0.13 mg/g, 3.64±0.1 mg/g and 4.23±0.1 mg/g respectively. Water pH, Temperature, Conductance, Dissolved Oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Turbidity were 5.21±0.03, 25.1±0.01ºC, 610±0.04 µS/cm, 5.0±0.03 mg/l, 1.8±0.02 mg/l, and 53.50±0.06 NTU respectively. Chloride, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium and Bicarbonate concentrations of the water were 609.82±0.37 mg/ml, 1.03±0.02 mg/ml, 13.41±0.42 mg/ml, 7.68±0.3 mg/ml, 21.22±0.12 mg/ml and 4.3±0.07 mg/ml in that order. Arsenic and Mercury were below detectable limit in both test and control samples while Fe, Cd, Pb, and Cu were 42.2±0.6 mg/ml, 0.016±0.001 mg/ml, 1.9±0.04 mg/ml and 5.2±0.03 mg/ml respectively. Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon, Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Solids, and Total Solids were 3.87±0.11 mg/ml, 23036±0.51 mg/ml, 396.5±0.3 mg/ml and 23433±0.4 respectively. The levels of detected heavy metals were higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits and Nigerian standard set by Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA). This indicates a moderate level of pollution in both soil and water samples, as a result, poses a serious threat to ecological and species survivability as well as growth and reproduction of aquatic and plant life.

Heavy Metals Assessment of Groundwater Contamination around Waste Management Sites in Rivers State, Nigeria

Groundwater being the water present beneath the earth surface is a fresh water source due to its lower tendency to be polluted but stand the risk of contamination in recent times due to increase in industrialization, population and poor waste management. Hence the heavy metal assessment of groundwater around waste management sites in Rivers State, Nigeria was carried out. The ground water samples were collected from three locations Iwofe, Igwuruta and Oyigbo all in Rivers state for heavy metals and microbiological analysis using the American Public Health Association (APHA) methods and standard method of culturing, isolating and identification using biochemical tests and Gram staining. The obtained results were compared alongside World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Environmental Protection Agency permissible limits (FEPA). The results showed that there was significant bacteria presence in the groundwater of selected areas and it also showed that heavy metals were also present in the water. The study of heavy metals and microbiological assessment of this groundwater samples suggest that a proper and an advanced waste management practices should be put in place to curb ground water contamination.

Punctuating the equilibrium: A lens to understand energy and environmental policy changes

Punctuating the equilibrium: A lens to understand energy and environmental policy changes