Assessment of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in Okpare Creek waters, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Efficient and sustainable management of our environment requires periodic monitoring of the various ecosystem matrices therein. In this study, the classical water physicochemical parameters were characterised in surface water samples collected from four stations designated along a stretch of Okpare Creek in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The samples were collected on a monthly basis for the duration of two years. The samples analysed to highlight the spatiotemporal variability of the parameters, determine the health status and potential for ecological protection of the system. The data obtained were subjected to univalent and multivalent statistics as well as water quality index (WQI). The levels of turbidity, TSS, DO and pH at all the stations did not comply favourably with national and international surface water regulatory standards. Generally, the parameters showed more spatial than temporal differences, this condition was mostly attributed to anthropogenic activities. Except for TDS, electrical conductivity, pH, chloride, and sulphate, the concentrations of other parameters differ significantly (p<0.05) across the stations while only the concentration of calcium differs significantly (p<0.05) across the seasons. However, other parameters maintained some sort of variation across the seasons. With the aid of WQI, contamination that arose from organic matter decomposition was identified as a factor that created the most variation on the water quality. The results from this research can serve the basis for sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems within the region.

Keywords: Okpare, Creek, physicochemical, water, analysis.