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Water-quality issues in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: a look at heavy metal levels and some physicochemical properties

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Abstract

Introduction

Water contamination is a notable environmental problem of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The present work is an improved attempt at a scientific discourse of water-quality issues in the Niger Delta of Nigeria with respect to heavy metal levels in surface water in view of the hitherto dearth of scientific data.

Materials and methods

We have looked at the Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn (quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry) profiles and some physicochemical properties (pH and salinity) of some surface water used by the local population in the mid Niger Delta. Surface water samples were collected from these surface waters in the dry and rainy seasons.

Results

Akiplai wellhead stream and Etebde River had the highest level of iron. In Delta State, high levels of cadmium were found in Ijala creek, Ubeji creek, Jeddo River, and Ekpan River, respectively. High lead levels were seen in Jeddo River, Ekurede–Itsekiri Creek, and Ughelli River. In River State, Tombia River had the highest levels of chromium, lead, and nickel. Ijala creek, Eja-Etan, Ifie-Kporo, Ubeji Creek, Jeddo, Ekpan Rivers, and Ekurede–Itsekiri Creek, all in Delta State, presented highest salinity levels. Orash River, Ughewhe stream, and Egbo stream have a lowest pH of 5.22, 5.32, and 5.53, respectively, while Ifie-Kporo River have a highest pH of 8.18.

Conclusion

Most of the metal levels were above US EPA Maximum Contaminant Level MCL indicative of water pollution which may be of public health importance, and we, therefore, recommend water-quality monitoring.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Research Unit, Pure and Industrial Chemistry Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Nnewi, Awka Anambra State, Nigeria

    John Kanayochukwu Nduka

  2. Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

    Orish Ebere Orisakwe

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  1. John Kanayochukwu Nduka
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  2. Orish Ebere Orisakwe
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Correspondence to Orish Ebere Orisakwe.

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Responsible editor: Thomas Braunbeck

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Nduka, J.K., Orisakwe, O.E. Water-quality issues in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: a look at heavy metal levels and some physicochemical properties. Environ Sci Pollut Res 18, 237–246 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-010-0366-3

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