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

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.