Abstract
The water quality of some tropical fresh-water bodies in Uyo (Nigeria) was investigated for two years in relation to point and non-point source city effluents and slaughter-house washings discharged into them. Streams which received city effluents and slaughter-house washings were degraded in quality with acidic water (pH =5.26±0.83 to 6.20±0.56), low oxygenation (2.46±1.30 to 3.88±0.29 mg l−1), high biochemical oxygen demand (4.96±0.66 to 8.20±0.82 mg l−1) and chemical oxygen demand (88.60±3.50 to 146.36±9.86 mg l−1) than non-effluent receiving streams. High acidity in streams is due mainly to the acidic nature of underground water which replenishes the streams. Nutrient levels were high indicating enrichment from highly fertilized farmlands and slaughter-house washings. The concentrations of most of the hydrochemical variables were significantly lower in non-effluent than effluent-receiving streams. Some of the hydrochemical variables (total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate and conductivity) exhibited pronounced seasonality regimes with significant correlations with rainfall indicating its influence on the chemical hydrology of the water bodies. Land use in the catchment influenced water quality through inflow of nutrients, organic and inorganic contaminants and siltation. Pollution in the impacted streams is attributed mainly to episodic events.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.References
Adebisi, A.A.: 1981, 'The Physico-Chemical Hydrology of a Tropical Seasonal River-Upper Ogun River,' Hydrobiologia 79, 157-165.
Akpan, A.W.: 1994, 'Totoal Hydrocarbon, Polycyclic Aromatic ydrocarbon and Other Organic Pollutants in the Coastal Soils, Sediments and Water in Qua Iboe River Estuary,' Paper presented at the 21st Annual Conference of Soil Science Society of Nigeria at University of Uyo, 30 January-4 February 1994, 12 pp.
Akpan, A.W.: 1995, 'Limnology and Net Plankton Periodicity of a Tropical Freshwater Pond in Uyo (Nigeria),' Tropical Freshwater Biology 4, 65-81.
Anadu, D.I., Obioha, A. and Ejike, C.: 1990, 'Water Quality and Plankton Periodicity in Two Contrasting Mine Lakes in Jos, Nigeria,' Hydrobiologia 208, 17-25.
APHA, AWWA, WPCP: 1980, Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Waste Water, 15th edn., American Public Health Association, Washington DC, USA, 1193 pp.
Cole, B.A. and Boyd, C.E.: 1986, 'Feeding Rate, Water Quality and Channel Catfish Production in Ponds,' Progressive Fish Culturist 48, 25-29.
Department of the Environment: 1986, River Quality Survey, England and Wales, HMSO, London, pp. 1-10.
Karlman, S.G.: 1982, 'The Annual Flood Regime as a Regulatory Mechanism for Phytoplankton Production in Kainji Lake, Nigeria,' Hydrobiologia 86, 93-97.
King, R.P. and Nkanta, N.A.: 1991, 'The Status and Seasonality in the Physico-Chemical Hydrology of a Nigerian Rainforest Pond,' Jap. J. Limnol. 52, 1-12.
King, R.P.: 1998, 'Physico-Chemical Indices of the Fisheries Potential of a Nigerian Rainforest Pond,' Journal of Aquatic Sciences 13, 49-54.
Mackereth, F.J.H., Heron, J. and Talling, J.F.: 1989, 'Water Analysis: Some Revised Methods for Limnologists,' Freshwater Biological Association Publication, No. 36, 120 pp.
Malins, D.C.: 1989, 'The Use of Environmental Assays for Impact Assessment,' Hydrobiologia 188/189, 87-91.
Marchaim, U. and Klinger, I.: 1987, 'Biological Aspects of Waste Control in Slaughter-Houses,' in V.C. Nielson, J.H. Voorburg and P.L. Hermite (eds.), Volatile Emissions from Livestock Farming and Sewage Operations, Elsevier Applied Science, London, pp. 217-222.
Ogban, P. and Ekerete, I.O.: 2000, 'Characteristics of Soils Associated with Erosion Sites in South Eastern Nigeria and Proposals Concerning Their Management and Conservation,' Environmental Analar 6, 472-491.
Olusanya, A.O.: 1988, 'The Studies of the Physico-Chemical Factors and Diatom Flora of Opa Reservoir, Ile-Ife, Nigeria,' Thesis, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, pp. 21-40.
Sangodoyin, A.Y. and Sanyaolu, O.S.: 1995, 'Land Use Pattern Correlated with Fresh Water Pollution in a Developing Environment,' Environmental Education and Information 14(2), 163-170.
Seager, J. and Maltby, L.: 1989, 'Assessing the Impact of Episodic Pollution,' Hydrobiologia 188/189, 633-640.
Tahal Consultants: 1982, Qua Iboe River Basin Pre-Feasibility Study, Vol. 1, Main Report, Cross River Basin Development Authority, Calabar, Nigeria, 216 pp.
Ukpong, I.E. and Moses, J.O.: 2001, 'Nutrient Requirements for the Growth of Waterleaf (Talinum traingulare) in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria,' The Environmentalist 21, 153-159.
Wetzel, R.G.: 1983, Limnology, 2nd edn., W.B. Saunders Coy, Philadelphia, USA, 858 pp.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Akpan, A.W. The Water Quality of some Tropical Freshwater Bodies in Uyo (Nigeria) Receiving Municipal Effluents, Slaughter-House Washings and Agricultural Land Drainage. The Environmentalist 24, 49–55 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ENVR.0000046346.93401.5c
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ENVR.0000046346.93401.5c