The effect of petrochemical effluent on the water quality of Ubeji Creek in Niger Delta of Nigeria

Abstract

Water samples containing petrochemical effluents were evaluated for elemental contaminants along a kilometer distance in Ubeji Creek, a tributary of the Ubeji River in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Twenty water samples were collected from six sites at various times. The water samples were analyzed for several physico-chemical parameters. Results showed wide varieties in temperature, pH, BOD, COD, dissolved and suspended solids as well as conductivity. The entire environment starting from the end-of-pipe source point was coated with black oily residue. Water quality parameters were very poor. The absence of fish and other aquatic lives, the high levels of Zn (2.4), Cr (0.24), Fe (63.44), Hg (4.24), Mn (2.49), and Pb (0.76) level (microg/L) confirm the toxic nature of Ubeji Creek. At the lower reaches, the mixing of effluent with brackish waters was not enough to support aquatic life, partly because of diminishing oxygen and toxic shock. Nevertheless, the study provides evidence to suggest that the water in Ubeji Creek is toxic. It also provides graphic data to suggest point source where effluents could be held for treatment or neutralization before being discharged into the aquatic environment.