SEASONAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL EFFLUENTS ON SELECTED WATER BODIES IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
A CASE STUDY OF CHOKOCHO AND OKULU RIVERS
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of chemical effluents discharge on selected water bodies (Okulu and Chokocho Rivers) in Rivers State, Nigeria. The sampling was conducted in the rainy and dry seasons. The water samples collected were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metal content. The results revealed that the rivers were neither acidic nor too alkaline in nature, with no significant seasonal variation in pH and dissolved oxygen levels of the rivers. Rainy season mean electrical conductivity levels were 61.90 and 1548.63 µs/cm for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively; dry season mean conductivity levels were 62.47 and 1933.49 µs/cm for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively. Rainy season mean chloride levels were 48.51 and 438.85 mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively; dry season mean chloride levels were 50.46 and 491.87 mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively. Rainy season mean Total PAHs were 3.55 and 601.57 mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively; dry season mean Total PAHs were 4.07 and 385.95mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively. Rainy season mean NO3- levels were 10.53 and 74.06 mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively; dry season mean NO3- were 10.64 and 69.27 mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively. Rainy season mean TDS levels were 52.11 and 618.88 mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively; dry season mean TDS were 50.52 and 1160.09mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively. Rainy season mean Oil and Grease levels were 5.10 and 288.01mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively; dry season mean Oil and Grease were 5.10 and 288.01mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively. Rainy season mean BOD levels were 4.05 and 9.25mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively; dry season mean BOD were 4.10 and 9.3mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively. Rainy season mean COD levels were 78.35 and 678.44 mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively; dry season mean COD were 77.74 and 616.62mg/l for Chokocho and Okulu rivers respectively. It was observed that approximately 85% of physicochemical components of Okulu River exceeded limits; 100% of heavy metals in Okulu River surpassed limit. About 20% of physicochemical components of Chokocho River exceeded limits; about 30% of heavy metals in Chokocho River surpassed limit. The study showed that the Okulu River is more polluted than Chokocho River which underscored the need for urgent government interventions to safeguard waterbodies in Rivers State from further deterioration.
Downloads
References
Aa, I., Op, A., Ujj, I., & Mt, B. (2022). A critical review of oil spills in the Niger Delta aquatic environment: causes, impacts, and bioremediation assessment. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194(11), 816.
Ahuchaogu, W. R., Eludoyin, O. S., Osita, J. C., Mpakaboari, N. T. (2025). Impact of Pollution on Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Abundance in the Okulu River Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(2): 3694- 3701.
ALPHA (2012). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 22nd ed. American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation, Washington DC, USA.
Alshemmari, H. (2021). An overview of persistent organic pollutants along the coastal environment of Kuwait. Open Chemistry, 19(1), 149-156.
Ama, I. N., Nwajei, G. E., & Agbaire, P. O. (2017). Distribution of Trace Elements in Surface Water and Sediments from Warri River in Warri, Delta State of Nigeria. World News of Natural Sciences, (11), 65-82.
Bartram, J., and Balance, R. (1996). Water Quality Monitoring - A Practical Guide to the Design and Implementation of Freshwater Quality Studies and Monitoring Programmes. United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization (UNEP/WHO).
Chris, D. I., Onyena, A. P., & Sam, K. (2023). Evaluation of human health and ecological risk of heavy metals in water, sediment and shellfishes in typical artisanal oil mining areas of Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(33), 80055-80069.
Daka, E. R., & Ugbomeh, A. P. (2013). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment and tissues of the crab Callinectes pallidus from the azuabie creek of the upper bonny estuary in the Niger Delta. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 6(14), 2594-2600.
Ifelebuegu, A. O., Ukpebor, J. E., Ahukannah, A. U., Nnadi, E. O., & Theophilus, S. C. (2017). Environmental effects of crude oil spill on the physicochemical and hydrobiological characteristics of the Nun River, Niger Delta. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 189, 1-12.
Igbiri, S., Udowelle, N. A., Ekhator, O. C., Asomugha, R. N., Igweze, Z. N., & Orisakwe, O. E. (2017). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible mushrooms from Niger Delta, Nigeria: carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention: APJCP, 18(2), 437.
Iyama, W. A., Edori, O. S., and Ede, P. N. (2018). Heavy Metals And Nutrient Status Of Surface Water Quality Around Sagbama Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Chemical Science International, 9(3-4): 161-167.
Johnston, J. E., Lim, E., & Roh, H. (2019). Impact of upstream oil extraction and environmental public health: A review of the evidence. Science of the Total Environment, 657, 187-199.
Kalagbor, I. A., Echem O. G., and Banwo, E. (2021). Water quality assessment of Ntawogba Stream in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. International Journal of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, 13(1): 76-87.
Kalagbor, I. A., Kue, B. D., and Akinfolarin, O. M. (2023). Water Quality Index Assessment of Eweh River in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Research and Reviews: Journal of Chemistry. 12(3): 49-56.
Ntembaba, S. A., Kpee, F., and Edori, O. S. (2023). Evaluation Of Heavy Metals Status In Water From Okamini Stream In Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria. FNAS Journal of Scientific Innovations, 5(2): 132-141.
Olopade, O. A., and Dieyne, H. E. (2023). Assessment of Water Quality Parameters of The Coastal Waters of Rivers State, Nigeria. Advance Journal of Agriculture and Ecology, 8(4): 10-20.
Onyeugbo, J., Obunwo, C. C., Ubong, I., and Amaibi, P. (2021). Determination Of The Water Quality Index (Wqi) Of Okulu River In Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Basic Physical Research, 10(1): 93-105.
Ray, P., Singh, P. S., & Polisetti, V. (2020). Synthetic polymeric membranes for the removal of toxic pollutants and other harmful contaminants from water. In Removal of toxic pollutants through microbiological and tertiary treatment, 43-99. Elsevier.
Rim-Rukeh, A. (2013). Physico-Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Stagnant Surface Water Bodies (Ponds and Lakes) Used for Drinking and Domestic Purposes in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Protection, 4: 920-928.
Singh, S., & Shikha. (2019). Treatment and recycling of wastewater from oil refinery/petroleum industry. Advances in biological treatment of industrial waste water and their recycling for a sustainable future, 303-332.
Srivastava, M., Srivastava, A., Yadav, A., & Rawat, V. (2019). Source and control of hydrocarbon pollution. Hydrocarbon Pollution and its Effect on the Environment, 9.
Tamunobereton-ari, I., and Omubo-Pepple, V. B. (2011). The Ecological Effects of Instream Sand Mining of Okulu and Odido Rivers in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Trends in Advanced Science and Engineering, 2(1): 22-28.
Ubaka, K. G., Ogah, J. O., Una, J. E., and Akumefula, M. I. (2025) Water Quality Assessment of Nkesa River, Rivers State, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, 19(3): 424-432.
Wei Z, Wang J. J, Meng Y, Li J, Gaston, L.A., Fultz, L.M., DeLaune, R.D. (2020) Potential use of biochar and rhamnolipid biosurfactant for remediation of crude oil-contaminated coastal wetland soil: Ecotoxicity assessment. Chemosphere; 253:126617.
Author(s) and co-author(s) jointly and severally represent and warrant that the Article is original with the author(s) and does not infringe any copyright or violate any other right of any third parties, and that the Article has not been published elsewhere. Author(s) agree to the terms that the GPH Journal will have the full right to remove the published article on any misconduct found in the published article.
