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Nutrients dynamics in water and sediment of the Bonny Estuary, Niger Delta, Nigeria

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Abstract

Surface water and sediment from Bonny Estuary, Nigeria, were assessed to determine the nutrient dynamics. Nutrients (nitrates, phosphates, and total organic carbon (TOC)) and some physicochemical parameters of water samples are collected from three sampling stations along the Bonny Estuary during wet seasons (April 2017, 2018, and 2019) and dry seasons (November 2017, 2018, and 2019). Physicochemical parameters analyses were conducted in situ using Horiba water checker (Model U-10). Surface water nitrate and phosphate were analysed by APHA 4500-NO3-B Colorimetric method, while sediment nitrates and phosphate by Chemical Analysis for Ecological Matter CAEM/APHA 4500-NO3-E Colorimetric method and TOC by CAEM-Wet-Oxidation Titration method. There was no significant seasonal variation in pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, conductivity, and turbidity nor across the sampling stations. TDS values showed significant seasonal variation with higher values in the wet seasons. Surface water nitrate and phosphate had higher concentrations in wet seasons though within recommended limits. Conversely, nitrate, phosphate, and TOC in the sediments were quite high, with higher values in wet seasons, especially the downstream of the estuary. The high levels of nutrients in the sediments as opposed to surface water could be a result of rapid deposition of nutrients which could lead to possible nutrient enrichment of the sediment. Nutrient levels in the sediment have increased fourfold over the study period. This suggests an influx of nutrients into the estuary, due to human activities. Nutrient enrichment could result in deterioration in aquatic water quality and pose a threat to the ecology of the estuary.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available in the Magdalene Lawal and Kika Philomena repository. The datasets generated in the course of the study will be readily made available to readers on request.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Giolee Global Resources Limited, Port Harcourt for Laboratory assistance and the IAEA/FGN for financial support for the research. We also acknowledge Mr. Loveday Nwachukwu for assisting with the collection of samples.

Funding

This work was supported by the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (RAF/7/008) with technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Center for Marine Pollution Monitoring, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

    Magdalene Okeh Nafagha-Lawal

  2. National Co-Ordinating Centre Nigeria, IAEA Technical Co-Operation Project, University of Port Harcourt, , Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

    Magdalene Okeh Nafagha-Lawal, Agatha Ebicaelar Ojimelukwe, Elizabeth Kariye Lelei, Arinze Onyekwelu Uche, Philomina Ehiedu Kika, Bolaji Bernard Babatunde & Francis David Sikoki

  3. Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

    Agatha Ebicaelar Ojimelukwe, Philomina Ehiedu Kika, Bolaji Bernard Babatunde & Francis David Sikoki

  4. National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR), PMB 6006, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria

    Elizabeth Kariye Lelei

  5. World Bank African Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

    Sorbari Igbiri

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  1. Magdalene Okeh Nafagha-Lawal
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Contributions

Nafagha-Lawal, Magdalene Okeh participated in the design of the study and plotted all graphs and in the manuscript preparation. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Nafagha-Lawal, Magdalene Okeh. Ojimelukwe, Agatha Ebicaelar participated in acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data. Lelei, Elizabeth Kariye participated in acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data. Uche, Arinze Onyekwelu participated in the design of the study and performed the statistical analysis. Kika, Philomina Ehiedi participated in acquisition of data or analysis and interpretation of data. Igbiri, Sorbari was responsible for sample collection and laboratory analysis. Babatunde, Bolaji Benard participated in the design of study and revising of the manuscript critically for important intellectual content. Sikoki, Francis David conceived of the study, participated in its design and coordination/ supervision and helped to draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Magdalene Okeh Nafagha-Lawal.

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Nafagha-Lawal, M.O., Ojimelukwe, A.E., Lelei, E.K. et al. Nutrients dynamics in water and sediment of the Bonny Estuary, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Environ Monit Assess 194, 510 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-10148-y

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