ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN IMO RIVER AT OYIGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE

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ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN IMO RIVER AT OYIGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE

                                                             ABSTRACT

The water quality of the Imo River in Oyigbo local government area was ascertained using standard methods in this research. The important physicochemical characteristics of the river were investigated during the wet season of 2013 at six sampling locations. In situ measurements were made for water temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), etc using the HORIBA U-10 water quality checker. The total dissolved solids and total soluble solids etc were determined with HACH conductivity/TDS meter. Water samples were collected in replicates with 2 liters plastic containers and taken to the laboratory in iced coolers for analysis. The test for homogeneity in mean variance was used to determine spatial variation in the physicochemical variables. The eckman grab sampler was used to acquire sediments to test for the physicochemical variability of the sediments from the river. The physicochemical variability for the Imo river from the six sample locations indicated that Water temperature varied between (27.00- 28.00˚c), ph

(6.3-6.6), turbidity (15-71 NTU), electrical conductivity (19.9- 82.0㎲/cm), dissolved oxygen (4.8- 7.05mg/l), biological oxygen demand (2.10- 3.20 mg/l), total dissolved solids (19.9-30.30mg/l), total hydrocarbon (0.010-0.031mg/l), total soluble solids (3.6- 9.1mg/l), nitrates (0.13-0.43mg/l), phosphates (0.07-0.11mg/l), sulphates (0.99-7.00mg/l), and chlorides(0.01-0.08mg/l), on the other hand the physicochemical variability of the sediments from the six sample locations indicated that ph varied between (6.85-6.98),total hydrocarbon(0.22-4.84mg/kg), nitrates(0.22-0.71mg/kg), phosphates (0.41-1.10mg/kg), and sulphates(30.8065.20mg/kg).While, the microbiological variability of the sediments indicated that total heterotrophic bacteria varied between(2.30-2.80×102), total heterotrophic fungi (5.0-6.3×102), hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria(1.40-1.95×102), and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi between(2.60-3.50×102). The results obtained for the physicochemical parameters and microbial variability agreed with the permissible limits set by both national and international bodies for drinking and domestic water and for the sustenance of aquatic life with few exceptions.

Keywords: Water quality, physicochemical, hydrocarbon, microbiological, and  Heterotrophic.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pages

Title page                                                                                                       i

Certification                                                                                                   ii

Dedication                                                                                                     iii

Acknowledgement                                                                                          iv

Abstract                                                                                                          v

Table of contents                                                                                             vi

 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0. INTRODUCTION                                                                                  1 1.1.   Overview                                                                                                 1

1.2. Statement of Problems                                                                               7

1.3.    Aims and Objectives                                                                                    10

1.4. Scope and Delimination                                                                                10

1.5. Significance of Study                                                                                   11

 

 

 

CHAPTER TWO

2.0. LITERATURE REVIEW                                                                12

2.1. Water Quality                                                                                               12

2.2 Measures Of Water Quality                                                                           13

2.3.   Physical And Chemical Parameters In Water Quality                                15

2.3.1. Temperature                                                                                                15

2.3.2 Dissolved Oxygen                                                                                        17

2.3.3. Ph And Alkalinity                                                                                        21

2.3.4. Turbidity                                                                                                       22

2.3.5. Suspended Solids                                                                                           24

2.3.6. Salinity   And Conductivity                                                                           25

2.3.7. Major Ions                                                                                                      26

2.3.8 Nutreints                                                                                                         28

2.3.9 Phosphates                                                                                                      28

2.3.10 Nitrogen                                                                                                        29

2.3.11 Metals                                                                                                           33

2.3.12 Organic Matter                                                                                             34

2.3.13. Organic Carbon                                                                                            35

2.3.14. Biological Oxygen Demand And Chemical Oxygen Demand                   35

2.3.15 Biological Components                                                                               37

2.3.16. Organic Contaminants                                                                                39

2.4. Summary                                                                                                          40

2.4.1. Hydrological Variables                                                                                  40

2.4.2 Discharge (Stream Flow)                                                                                40

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHOD……………………………………………46

3.1. Climate And Vegetation ……………………………………………………46

3.1.2. Population And Economic Activities………………………………………52

3.2.  Sources Of Data ……………………………………………………………..54

3.2.1. Primary Data………………………………………………………………..54

3.2.2. Secondary Data……………………………………………………………..54

3.3. Sampling Design………………………………………………………………55

3.4. Sampling Locations…………………………………………………………..55

3.5. Field Sampling………………………………………………………………..55

3.5.1. In Situ Measurements…………………………………………………….55

3.5.2. Collection Of Water Samples For Laboratory Analyses…………………..56

3.6. Laboratory Analyses………………………………………………………..56

3.6.1. Determination Of Nitrate…………………………………………………57

3.6.2. Determination Of Sulphate………………………………………………..57

3.6.3 Determination Of Phosphate………………………………………………57

3.6.4 Determination Of Suspended Solids………………………………………57

3.6.5. Determination Of Trace Metals…………………………………………..58

3.6.6. Biological Oxygen Demand ……………………………………………….58

3.6.7.  Determination Of Chloride Ions…………………………………………59

3.6.8.  Reagents………………………………………………………………….59

3.6.9. Determination Of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons……………………….60

3,7. Larboratory Analyses………………………………………………………61

3.7.2 Ph……………………………………………………………………………61

3.7.3 Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (Thc)……………………………………….61

3.74. Nitrate………………………………………………………………………62

3.7.6. Phosphate………………………………………………………………….63

3.8. Microbial Analyses…………………………………………………………64

3.9. results………………………………………………………………………6

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0   RESULT ANALYSES AND DISCUSSION…………………………….65

4.2. Variation In Physiovhemical Parameters Of The Surface Water…………..65

4.3. Variation Oin Physiochemical Parameters Of Sediments………………….73

4.4.  Variation In Microbiological Parameters…………………………………..75

4.4. Discussion……………………………………………………………………77

 

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0. SUMMARRY AND CONCLUSION…………………………………….82

5.1. Summary…………………………………………………………………83

5.2. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..90

5.3. Reccommendations…………………………………………………………91

REFFERENCES……………………………………………………………92-101

 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                   INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

Water quality assessment can be defined as the overall process of evaluation of the physical, chemical and biological status of water in relation to natural quality, human effects and intended uses, particularly uses which may affect human health and the health of the aquatic system itself, (Bartram and Ballance, 1996).

It includes the use of monitoring to define the condition of the water, to provide the basis for detecting trends and to provide the information enabling the establishment of cause-effect relationships. Important aspects of an assessment are the interpretation and reporting of the results of monitoring and the making of recommendations for future actions

According to Ibeh and Mbah (2007), the quality of any body of surface or ground water is a function of either or both natural influences and human activities. Without human influences, water quality would be determined by the weathering of bedrock minerals, by the atmospheric processes of evapotranspiration and the deposition of dust and salt by wind, by the natural leaching of organic matter and nutrients from soil, by hydrological factors that lead to runoff, and by biological processes within the aquatic environment that can alter the physical and chemical composition of water, (Akaishi et al., 2004). As a result, water in the natural environment contains many dissolved substances and non-dissolved particulate matter. Dissolved salts and minerals are necessary components of good quality water as they help maintain the health and vitality of the organisms that rely on this ecosystem service, (Stark et al., 2000).

Though, water is vital to the existence of all living organisms, but this valued resource is increasingly being threatened as human populations grow and demand more water of high quality for domestic purposes and economic activities, (Cambers &Ghina, 2005).  Water abstraction for domestic use, agricultural production, mining, industrial production, power generation, and forestry practices can lead to deterioration in water quality and quantity that impact not only the aquatic ecosystem (i.e., the assemblage of organisms living and interacting together within an aquatic environment), but also the availability of safe water for human consumption, Agbozu and Emperor (2004). It is now generally accepted that aquatic environments cannot be perceived simply as holding tanks that supply water for human activities. Rather, these environments are complex matrices that require careful use to ensure sustainable ecosystem functioning well into the

future.

Moreover, the management of aquatic environments requires an understanding of the important linkages between ecosystem properties and the way in which human activities can alter the interplay between the physical, chemical and biological processes that drive ecosystem functioning, (Agbozu  & Izidor, 2004).

Providing safe and secure water to people around the world, and promoting sustainable use of water resources are fundamental objectives of the Millennium Development Goals. The international community has recognized the important links between ecosystem and human health and well-being, particularly as human populations expand and place ever greater pressures on natural environments.         However, the ability to properly track progress toward minimizing impacts on natural environments and improving access of humans to safe water depends on the availability of data that document trends in both space and time. As such, ongoing monitoring of both water quality and quantity in surface and ground water resources is a necessary activity at all governing levels: local, national, and international.

Water quality and quantity are intimately linked although not often measured simultaneously, (Amadi et al.,2004). Water quantity is often measured by means of remote hydrological monitoring stations which record water level, discharge, and velocity. Monitoring of water quantity can be undertaken, to a certain degree, with a minimal amount of human intervention, once a monitoring station has been set up. In contrast, water quality is usually determined by analyzing samples of water collected by teams of personnel visiting monitoring stations at regular intervals.

“The costs associated with monitoring the many parameters that influence water quality, when compared to those associated with monitoring only a few water quantity variables, usually means that water quality monitoring is not undertaken as frequently as water quantity monitoring. However, the results of water quality monitoring are vital to being able to track both spatial and temporal trends in surface and ground waters, (APHA 2005).

Water can also contain substances that are harmful to life; these include metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium, pesticides, organic toxins and radioactive contaminants. Water from natural sources almost always contains living organisms that are integral components of the biogeochemical cycles in aquatic ecosystems. However, some of these, particularly bacteria, protists, parasitic worms, fungi, and viruses, can be harmful to humans if present in water used for drinking, (Chindah et al., 2004).

The availability of water and its physical, chemical, and biological composition affect the ability of aquatic environments to sustain healthy ecosystems: as water quality and quantity are eroded, organisms suffer and ecosystem services may be lost. Moreover, an abundant supply of clean, usable water is a basic requirement for many of the fundamental uses of water on which humans depend.

 

 

 

These include, but are not limited to:

  • water used for human consumption and public water supply;
  • water used in agriculture and aquaculture;
  • water used in industry;
  • water used for recreation; and
  • water used for electrical power generation

 

The quality of water necessary for each human use varies, as do the criteria used to assess water quality. For example, the highest standards of purity are required for drinking water, whereas it is acceptable for water used in some industrial processes to be of less quality. The quality of water required to maintain ecosystem health is largely a function of natural background conditions. Some aquatic ecosystems are able to resist large changes in water quality without any detectable effects on ecosystem composition and function, whereas other ecosystems are sensitive to small changes in the physical and chemical makeup of a body of water and this can lead to degradation of ecosystem services and loss of biological diversity (Obunwo, 2003).

The degradation of physical and chemical water quality due to human influences is often gradual, and subtle adaptations of aquatic ecosystems to these changes may not always be readily detected until a dramatic shift in ecosystem condition occurs. For example, in many shallow European lakes, the gradual enrichment of the surface water with plant nutrients has resulted in shifts from systems that once were dominated by rooted aquatic plants to systems that are now dominated by algae suspended in the water column (Scheffer et al., 2001). Regular monitoring of the biological, physical, and chemical components of aquatic ecosystems can serve to detect extreme situations in which the ability of an ecosystem to return to its normal state is stretched beyond its limit.

Typically, water quality is determined by comparing the physical and chemical characteristics of a water sample with water quality guidelines or standards. Drinking water quality guidelines and standards are designed to enable the provision of clean and safe water for human consumption, thereby protecting human health. These are usually based on scientifically assessed acceptable levels of toxicity to either humans or aquatic organisms. Guidelines for the protection of aquatic life are more difficult to set, largely because aquatic ecosystems vary enormously in their composition both spatially and temporally, and because

ecosystem boundaries rarely coincide with territorial ones (Nweke, 2000).                                          Therefore, there is a movement among the scientific and regulatory research community to identify natural background conditions for chemicals that are not toxic to humans or animals and to use these as guidelines for the protection of aquatic life (Robertson et al., 2006; Dodds & Oakes, 2004; Wickham et al., 2005). Other guidelines, such as those designed to ensure adequate quality for recreational, agricultural or industrial activities, set out limits for the physical,

chemical, and biological composition of water needed to safely undertake different activities.

1.2. Statement of the Problems

According to Oguariri (1998), the development of rivers and water resources is essential for a wide range of human activities notably agriculture, food and energy production but we know that water can be put into best use when it is in a pure state. When the quality of water is impaired however, a lot of problems arise. Polluted water is a major cause of human disease, misery and death. According to Ukpak (2001), water borne pathogens that contribute to typhoid, cholera, amoebic infections, bacillary dysentery and diarrhea account for 80% of all diseases in developing countries and at least responsible for up to 90% of the 13 million child deaths each year.

The impairment of water quality can be caused by point or non-point sources (Smith, 2006).Water pollutants include sewage, nutrients, wastewater, chemical wastes, radioactive wastes, oil pollution, plastics, waste from animal feed lots, alien species, heat from factories, sediments and so on (Okereke, 2006).  According to Kanayo (2004), environmental degradation in the form of water quality impairment is essentially an economic problem, more so that it is a byproduct of production and consumption activities. The resulting environmental ills he noted, pose extreme health hazards and loss of income for the growing number of people exposed to them e.g. methaemologlobinaemia is likely to be more acute in less developed countries where potable water is not readily available and there is inadequacy of fresh food (Dudley,1990). Another manifestation of water pollution is the presence of freshwater parasites, and bacteria such as bilharzias and E-Coli, (Uchegbu, 2000).

There are about 3 major industrial plants situated along the stretch of the middle course of the Imo River: an Afam electrical gas plant, a shell gas plant and an NNPC, Nigerian gas plant. and they could be possibly impacting negatively on the river: Research shows that The generation of electricity plays a large role in local, regional, national and international environmental issues, such as global warming, acid rain, ground-level ozone, air toxics, land use and water impacts. A variety of land and water impacts result from the various stages in fossil fuel cycles. Surface water quality is affected by the generation of electricity, causing increase of other dissolved constituents, and increased suspended solids.

Also, the extraction and usage of petroleum products and gas as energy sources the world over has led to a widespread pollution of the biosphere. About 6-10 million barrels of crude oil enter the aquatic environment yearly (Thorhang, 2002). The control of such pollution problems in the aquatic environment is very difficult because of the large number of input sources and their geographic dispersions. Contrary to popular views, evidence is accumulating to buttress the fact that petroleum hydrocarbon mixes with water and penetrates to the underlying sediments (Patin, 1999). The resultant effects of the above are a change in desirable portable water characteristics (Howgate, 1977). Impaired growth of marine organisms which depend basically on the quantity and quality of the primary production of phytoplankton, fish, crustaceans and molluscs acquire objectionable odour or flavour, thereby causing a reduction in their marketability and acceptance as food (Nwankwo & Irrechukwu, 1981).

 

The Imo River is one of the major coastal rivers in the Niger Delta of Nigeria that is significantly influenced by anthropogenic activities, resulting in possible pollution and deterioration of the water quality. There are a number of agricultural, oil and gas and textile based industries, markets etc discharging wastes and effluents into the imo river.

For the majority of the people in communities living along the banks and catchment area of Imo River, the major source of water for drinking and other beneficial uses, is the river. And so, it becomes necessary to examine the water quality in relation to acceptable limits of the general variables present/absent as specified by organizations concerned with standard guidelines, such as FEPA, WHO and EPA .However, in spite of the very hazardous nature of environmental pollutants on an aquatic environment, studies of these contaminants and pollutants in the Imo River are very scanty or nonexistent.

 

 

1.3. Aim and Objectives

This study was aimed at assessing, the physicochemical and microbiological regimes of the Imo River in Oyigbo Local Government of Rivers State.

The following objectives were applied to achieve this aim:

  1. Determination of the physiochemical status of the surface water of the Imo River in Oyigbo L.G.A.
  2. Determination of the physiochemical characteristics of the sediments of the Imo River in Oyigbo L.G.A.
  3. Determination of the microbiological communities of the Imo River in

Oyigbo L.G.A.

1.4. Scope and Delimitation

This study covered the stretch of the Imo River in Oyigbo Local Government area of Rivers State. It investigated the baseline physiochemistry (water temp, ph, turbidity, BOD etc) and microbiological (total heterotrophic bacteria and fungi, and hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria and fungi) status of the middle reaches of the river during the rainy season months of June, July and August, 2013.

1.5. Significance of Study

It is extremely necessary to know what the water quality of the surface water of our inland rivers, water ways and domestic channels is because these rivers are sometimes used by the local populace for drinking, washing of clothes, bathing and carrying out other domestic, agricultural and industrial activities. This research work:

  • Provides statistically significant data which shows the current status of the water quality of the surface water of the Imo River in Oyigbo LGA.
  • It provides an accurate scientifical reference point from which a further, broader and more in-depth research can be carried out.
  • It also provides a reliable baseline data upon which future computations of the water quality as a result of increased industrialization and urbanization would be based.

ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN IMO RIVER AT OYIGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE

 

 

 

 

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