Spatial and temporal distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metal in Woji Creek

Abstract

Land use is one major factor that affects river water quality which is related to anthropogenic activities. Studies have shown that abandoned boats on watershed, petroleum and untreated wastewater from abattoirs can lead to anthropogenic pollution in surface waters. This study, therefore, was designed to assess spatial and temporal variation of selected heavy metals and level of pollution in Woji Creek. The study was carried out in the months of August, September and October 2018. Water samples were collected from five stations along the creek over a 3.2 km stretch. Water was collected to be analysed for heavy metals (Nickel, Cadmium, Copper, Lead and Iron). Results were subjected to ANOVA and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was calculated using aquatic toxicity reference values (TRV) as threshold values. Heavy metal dominance in Woji was in the order of Pb>Ni>Fe>Cd>Cu. In the river, Ni had mean values ranging from 0.379±0.259 mg l −1 in August to 0.545±0.369 in October, while Pb with the highest concentration had mean values ranging from 0.229±0.333 mg l −1 in October to 1.534±0.103 mg l −1 in September. Concentrations of metals analysed were high than the TRV. Temporal analysis of HPI calculated for the study was above the critical heavy metal pollution index (100) (August=329.358, September=361.796, October=112.715). A correlation was observed between heavy metals analysed during the study. Spatial analysis of HPI showed higher pollution level at Station 3 with the highest anthropogenic activity along the creek. Cu showed a negative correlation to other metals analysed. Sources of pollution on this creek was identified to be both natural and majorly anthropogenic sources. This study, therefore, points out the need for proper environmental management as regards commercial activities around the waterways.

Distribution of heavy metals, soil microbial enzymes and their relationship in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

“…The variability of the individual heavy metals in the area is probably attributed to the fact that the concentration of heavy metals in the soil varies from one metal to another because Fe and Mn are relatively common in the earth crust, while Cd and Pb are rare and can be toxic even at low concentration and also the variation in the anthropogenic activities and geological composition of the soil (Ebong et al, 2020). The value of heavy metals obtained in this research is higher than the values obtained by Abdullahi & Mohammed (2019); Amalo et al (2019). This implies that there is a gradual accumulation of these heavy metals in the area.…”

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Woji Creek, in the Niger Delta

“…Before the oil spillages, it was a fishing river with different crab species and other benthic invertebrates which provided economic benefits to the community that lay claim to this section of the creek [22]. Woji creek is an intertidal river hence the possibility of the migration of contaminants [24].…”

“…However, fishes on this creek will either die or migrate to less polluted environments [23], leading to little or no fishes in this stretch of the river. Studies have also revealed that the creek is polluted with heavy metals due to the anthropogenic activities in and around the creek [24]. Therefore, this study aims to determine the concentrations of PAHs in water and sediments of the Woji creek and to investigate the potential sources of PAHs.…”

FactSage Modelling of Pb and Ni Speciation in Surface Water from Woji Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…Some anthropogenic activities around the study area with the tendency to impact metallically on the environmental condition and physicochemistry of the creek include: traffic emissions, mechanic workshops, urban and industrial effluents discharge, market, construction and metallurgical works, scrap yard, entrepreneurial firms, sewage disposal, boat manufacturing and maintenance companies, etc. Relatively high level of metallic contaminants such as Pb and Ni metals were reported in investigation patterning to the creek [25]; and that these biologically indestructible heavy metals accumulate in the tissues of living organisms [26].…”

“…However, due to anthropogenic activities, Ni is continuously added into the environment [42], leading to exposure of living organisms to increased concentrations of Ni, as well as an attendant increase in the risk of toxicity. In the environment, Ni is added through the combustion of fossil fuels and use of Ni compounds and alloys in industries such as steel as is found in Woji creek [25,43]. The most common state of Ni found in biological systems is Ni (II) [44].…”