Title: Determination of the Variability of Heavy Metals Pollution Index of Sombreiro River
Authors: Raymond Alex Alex Ekemube, LoveGod Anthony Eke, Isaac Eze Ihua-Maduenyi, Gbenizibe Bonus Wombu
Volume: 8
Issue: 11
Pages: 44-58
Publication Date: 2024/11/28
Abstract:
The study determined the variability of heavy metals pollution index of Sombreiro River. The study was carried out at Ahoada Industrial Area section of the Sombreiro River in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Samples were collected from 10 locations along the direction of flow with three replicates, and total number of 30 samples points at the intervals of 10 m, respectively. The concentration of lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Manganese (Mn) were determined according to their specific standards. However, the heavy metals pollution load index (HPI) was calculated using specific formula. Statistical analyses using t-Test, was computed in the study using Microsoft software excel. Laboratory results showed Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn were above permissible limits of World Health (WHO), United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and Nigeria Drinking Water Standard (NSDWQ). It also revealed that there were variabilities of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, As, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn), during dry and wet seasons. The paired t-Test results showed significant difference at 95% confidence level. These showed a significant different between dry and wet seasons, but higher concentration during dry season. Finally, the HPI of the Sombreiro river water indicated that the water was unfit for human consumption. It is therefore, suggested that further investigations be conducted on petroleum hydrocarbons and risk of human exposure to Sombreiro river water.