Physicochemical Characteristics Assessment of Surface water in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria


Authors : Ogolo Ibinabo; Abam Tamunoene Kingdom Simeon

Volume/Issue : Volume 6 - 2021, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : http://bitly.ws/9nMw

Scribd : https://bit.ly/3jZ34wx

Pollution of aquatic ecosystem poses a serious threat to aquatic organisms and gradually the entire ecosystem. The polluted water often makes its way into the water tables and water systems, which means it is in the drinking water we access. The physiochemical characteristics of surface water in Okrika LGA. Rivers State, Nigeria were assessed during the dry season (February) and wet season (July, November), 2020. Water samples were obtained randomly from six surface waters in different communities in Okrika, namely, Ogan-Ama, Kalio-Ama, George-Ama, Edeme-biri, Okari-Ama, Isaka Town and analyzed according to standard international methods to determine the physicochemical parameters of collected samples. Parameters analyzed include among others; pH, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, TPH, PAH, Salinity and heavy metals. The Surface waters contained high Electrical Conductivity values which ranged from 30400us/cm to 65400us/cm with highest during the dry season. In comparing values of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS )of 18645mg/l to 50200mg/l with World Health Organization (WHO) limits, these values are above WHO limits of 600mg/l. This is not acceptable due to disruption of fish spawning and rearing in the marine environment. Salinity value of 15840mg/l was recorded in Isaka which is higher than WHO's limit of 200mg/l and can cause acute and chronic effects on aquatic organisms. Most samples recorded low DO, of less than 6mg/l(WHO/National Environmental Standards Regulations Enforcement Agency -NESREA), High BOD above WHO limit of 0.002mg/l but within NESREA limit of 3.0mg/l. There were traces of TPH, PAHs, also, contamination with Cadmium, Lead and Zinc metals. These can cause histopathological alterations in tissues of aquatic organisms and threatens survival of fishes. This calls for proper management of the marine environment by appropriate authorities in order to safe guard the ecosystem and human lives.

Keywords : Contaminant concentration, Assessment, Aquatic degradation, Endangered species, Okrika

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