GPH-International Journal of Applied Science

SPATIAL EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY OF SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER AROUND ARTISANAL REFINING POLLUTED AREA IN EMOHUA LGA, RIVERS STATE

Obinna Benneth UKAIGWE — 2025-07-04

This study evaluated the spatial distribution of water quality for surface and groundwater sampledaround sites of artisanal refining activities in Emohua local government area in Rivers State. Ten ground and tensurface water samples were collected around artisanal refining operation sites within the distances of 0-100m, 100-200m, 200-300m, 300-400m, 400-500m Two control sampleswere obtained at distances of over 10km from the refining sites for both the surface and groundwater samples. The water samples were analyzed for some physicochemical parameters. Water quality index were calculated at difference distances based on measured physicochemical and WHO standards using weighted arithmetic mean technique. The results revealed that the WQI for surface water samples and the control sample were 3.719, 3.700, 2.832, 2.775. 0.098 and 0.115 while that of ground water sample and the control were 1.780, 1.410, 1.778, 0.0518. 0.038 and 0.113 for distance ranges of 0-100m, 100-200m, 200-300m, 300-400m, 400-500m and control sample respectively. These results showed that surface water sources were more polluted than the ground water sources at all the sampled distance range. The results also showed that there was decrease in the WQI with increase in distance away from the artisanal refining site which showed that the water quality improve with increase in distance away of the artisanal refining sites but the surface and ground water samples were mostly unfit for drinking except at distances beyond 400 and 300 respectively as well as the control samples. It was therefore concluded that, based on results of water quality index, that both ground and surface water sources within distances of less than 400 and 300 meter respectively away from the artisanal refining operation are not fit for drinking and must be properly and intentionally treated before drinking.

Modelling the Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metal Pollution in Groundwater System Near Selected Waste Dumpsites in Rivers State

Omireh, Kenneth Chukwuemeka — 2025-07-04

This study was focused om development of model for the prediction of heavy-metal pollution ingroundwater sample near waste dumpsite in selected communities in Rivers State. Two waste dumpsites in Choba and Aluu communities in River state were randomly sampled. Boreholes were sampled at distances of 50m, 100m and 150m away from the dumpsites and a control sample was collected at 300m away from the dumpsite. Groundwater samples were collected from the boreholes and taken to laboratory for identification of presence and concentration of the heavy metals. The results of the analysis revealedeight different heavy metals in the water samples namely, Copper, Mercury, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Iron, Lead and Zinc.Model were developed using Excel to expressed the relationship between the concentration of the heavy metal and their distances away from the dumpsites. The models revealed that there is inverse relationship between concentration of the heavy metal and distance of sampled location from the dumpsites in both locations. In Aluu, the results revealed that the percentage deviation between model-calculated values and actual values for copper, mercury, barium, chromium and iron were 11.00, 8.30, 6.00, 8.75 and 15% respectively. However, the model-calculated values for cadmium, zinc and lead were negative which suggest that 300m is outside the active zone of the heavy metals originating from the dumpsite,meaning that the concentrations of cadmium, zinc and lead obtained at this distance did not originate from the dumpsites. In Choba, the results revealed that the percentage deviation between model-calculated values and actual values for copper, barium and lead were 6.00, 9,80 and 6.67% respectively, However,model-calculated values for chromium, cadmium, zinc, mercury and iron were negative which suggest that 300m is outside the active zone of these heavy metals originating from the dumpsitewhich also means that the concentrations of chromium, cadmium, zinc, mercury and iron obtained at this distance did not originate from the dumpsites. It was concluded that the models are significantly suitable for the prediction of heavy metal pollution with respect to their distance from dumpsite

MAPPING OF SUBSURFACE CONTAMINATION ZONE USING 2-D ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY IMAGING AND VES TECHNIQUE IN ORON, NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

F. D. Eyenaka — 2025-08-05

The integrated geophysical survey measurements carried out in the coastal part of AkwaIbom State specifically Oron Local Government Area located with latitude 4⁰42‘0‘‘ and 4⁰51‘0‘‘N of the equator and longitudes 8⁰12‘0‘‘ and 8⁰18‘0‘‘E of the Greenwich Meridian reveals the extent of aquifer intrusion by saltwater. The geophysical methods employed were 2-D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and vertical electrical sounding (VES) techniques using state of the art resistivity meter (IGIS-SSP-ATS-MRT model). The 2-D (ERT) and VES used Wenner and schlumberge electrode configurations respectively with maximum current electrode spacing ranging from 5 to 200m for the field measurement. A total of 8 ERT and 8 VES traverses were covered and the interpretation of resistivity thickness and depth to bottom layer showed that the lithologies are predominantly saline clay/saline clayey sand, medium to coarse sand, fine medium sand, and lateritic/gravelly sand with upper limit resistivity of about 29.15 Ωm for saline clay/saline clayey sand, 362 Ωm for fine medium sand and 68,380 Ωm for lateritic/gravelly sands. The DC resistivity surveys also reveals significant variations within the subsurface coastal sediments with AK curve type having the highest occurrence showing dominant trend of decreasing resistivity with depth. The apparent resistivity of the field data delineate the subsurface formation with evidence of fresh water aquifer at VES 3, 6,7 and 8. The low resistivity values of about 2.4 Ωm, 6.0 Ωm and 6.2 Ωm with thickness of about 1.3m, 2.1m and 0.7m and depth to bottom values of about 1.3m, 2.1m and 0.7m respectively. High resistivity recorded in VESs 7 and 8 were interpreted as lateritic/gravelly sand. Interpreted 2D geoelectrical models showed surface and subsurface aquifer intrusions with lowest electrical resistivity value of about 6.60 Ωm ERT results also showed both surface and subsurface intrusion within the aquifer system at some locations. Hence, the interface mapped showed saline intrusion which is as a result of both anthropogenic and natural factors within the study area.

RISK FACTORS AND IMPACT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN AMONG ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN PORT HARCOURT; A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

KINGSLEY-ELEWA, Chinyere Jessica — 2025-08-12

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the risk factors and impact of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among road construction workers in Port Harcourt. The pooled prevalence of MSP ranged from 58% to 73%,significantly impacting productivity, attendance, and overall worker health. Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in physically demanding occupations and have been identified as leading causes of work absenteeism, disability, and reduced productivity. A total of 22 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The majority were cross-sectional surveys (n=16), with the remainder comprising qualitative studies (n=4) and cohort studies (n=2). Studies were conducted in Nigeria (n=15), with 5 specifically based in Port Harcourt or the Niger Delta region, and 7 from other LMICs with comparable occupational conditions.The study adopted PRISMA guidelines and involved a systematic search of scholarly databases including PubMed, Scopus, and African Journals Online (AJOL) for peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024. A total of 38 relevant articles were analyzed. The review identified key risk factors such as awkward postures, repetitive motions, vibration exposure, long working hours, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Psychosocial stressors, poor work ergonomics, and lack of proper safety training were also significantly associated with MSP. The most commonly affected anatomical sites were the lower back, shoulders, knees, and neck. The impact of MSP ranged from mild discomfort to severe disability, significantly impairing job performance, increasing healthcare costs, and reducing workers’ quality of life. Interventions such as ergonomic modifications, safety training, job rotation, and wellness programs were recommended to mitigate risks.The study concludes with policy and practice recommendations aimed at improving occupational health standards in Nigeria’s construction sector.