Trace Metals in Water, Sediment and Biota from Ikpukulu-Ama Creek Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Author(s):  
Vincent-Akpu Ijeoma Favour ◽  
Okoseimiema Ibifubara Joshua

The concentrations of trace metals; Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Cadmium (Cd) were determined in water, sediment and biota (Fish and plankton) from Ikpukulu-ama creek in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrphotometer (AAS 500). Concentrations of metals in water were in the order of Cd<Cu<Pb<Zn<Fe, in sediments Cd<Cu<Pb<Zn<Fe, in fish Cd<Cu<Pb<Zn<Fe while in plankton the order of concentration were Cd=Pb<Cu<Zn<Fe. The mean concentrations of metals in surface water (mg/L) were 5.2, 0.83, 0.03, 0.46, and 0.01 for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd respectively, in sediments (mg/g) the values were 16.0, 0.65, 0.09, 0.32, and 0.01 for the same metals. The mean concentrations of metals in fish (mg/g) were Fe (2.96), Zn (1.87), Cu (0.03), Pb (0.08) and Cd (<0.001), while for plankton (mg/L) were Fe (13.2), Zn (2.09), Cu (0.06), Pb (<0.001) and Cd (<0.001). The pollution index in the sediment was low. Trace metal concentrations in water, sediment and biota were below the maximum permissible levels recommended by National standard, but aquatic environment should be monitored regularly to avoid excess intake of metal into the water body.

Author(s):  
Janet Olufunmilayo Williams ◽  
Prekebi Peter Akemi

The capability of microorganisms to utilize spent oil in polluted soil from some major auto mechanic workshops in Port Harcourt metropolis as the sole source of carbon and energy was studied. Soil samples were collected from three (3) Auto mechanic workshops (Mile 3 Mechanic Village (N 4º48' 34.07'', E 6º59' 10.17''), Ikoku Mechanic Workshop (N 4º47' 54.28'', E 6º59' 36.42'') and Elekahia Zone H Mechanic Workshop (N4º49' 11.62'', E 7º1' 16.58'') in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from depths of 0–30 cm, 30–60 cm and 60–90 cm at the same spot from each station. Soil samples were analysed microbiologically and physicochemically using standard methods. The control sample was obtained behind the Biology Building of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The results of the total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts showed that the microbial load was high at a depth of 0 to 30 cm for all the samples analysed including the control. With 60-90 cm depth, low microbial counts were obtained. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts from the three mechanic workshops ranged from 6.8 X 108 to 2.3 X 109cfu/g while the total heterotrophic fungal counts ranged from 1.3 X 106 to 8.0X 106 cfu/g. The spent oil-utilizing microbial populations ranged from1.0 X 105 to 3.0 X 106cfu/g and1.0 X 105 to 8.0 X 105 cfu/g for the bacterial and fungal counts respectively. Five spent oil utilizing bacterial isolates of the genera, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Bacillus, Micrococcus and Proteus and five fungal isolates of the genera, Penicillium, Candida, Rhizopus, Fusarium and Aspergillus were obtained from spent oil-polluted soil in this study. The pollution index of the different physicochemical parameters obtained from the different sample stations was as follows: Electrical Conductivity (EC): Mile 3 had the highest with the mean of 12.50 ±0.0-13.20±0.0µs/cm, while Ikoku had the lowest with mean of 10.99 ± 0.0-11.50 ± 0.0 µs/cm. Ikoku had the highest pH level with mean of 7.0 ± 0.0- 8.5 ± 0.0 while Mile 3 had the lowest pH level with mean of 6.5 ± 0.0-7.59 ± 0.0. Ikoku had the highest Total Organic Carbon (TOC) with mean of 17.55 ± 0.0-20.60 ± 0.0 mg/kg while Elekahia had the lowest with the mean of 16.99 ± 0.0-18.0 ± 0.0 mg/kg. Ikoku had the highest Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) with mean of 38,862 ± 0.0-40,500 ± 0.0 mg/kg while Mile 3 had the lowest with the mean of 20,550 ± 0.0-30,000 ± 0.0 mg/kg. From the Pollution Index Analysis, Ikoku Auto Mechanic Workshop is more contaminated with Spent oil than Mile 3 and Elekahia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 039-047
Author(s):  
Edori ES ◽  
Iyama WA ◽  
Awari JO

The levels of physicochemical properties of Mini Whuo Stream in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria was evaluated. The physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard conventional procedures. The average values recorded for the physicochemical parameters during the months of investigation were in the range; temperature; 30.00±0.42-30.26±0.83oC, with all-round mean of 30.14±0.47oC, pH; 6.22±0.33-6.42±0.25 (6.29±0.29), electrical conductivity; 146.01±74.04-147.26±75.13µS/cm (146.58±74.69 µS/cm), total alkalinity; 61.63±6.37-62.20±6.41mg/L (61.91±6.41 mg/L), sulphates; 109.67±51.34-110.67±51.88mg/L (110.22±51.81 mg/L), nitrates; 12.20±2.38-12.60±2.86mg/L (12.31±2.65 mg/L), turbidity; 49.32±1.49-50.18±2.02 NTU(49.83±1.55 NTU), TDS; 74.20±36.43-75.61±37.50 mg/L (75.00±36.81 mg/L), TSS; 27.14±2.12-28.37±0.78mg/L (27.64±1.89 mg/L), chlorides; 15.17±2.90-15.66±2.70mg/L (15.34±2.65 mg/L) and salinity; 24.36±4.83-24.82±4.97mg/L (24.66±4.78 mg/L). The evaluation of the physicochemical parameters showed that the Mini Whuo Stream has been contaminated due to human activities within the stream and therefore adequate measures should be taken to forestall the present situation of the stream in order to mitigate any possible increase in deterioration of the studied physicochemical parameters in the stream beyond acceptable limit.


2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
pp. 01-21
Author(s):  
Alexander Hart ◽  
◽  
Oboh CA ◽  
Barimalaa IS ◽  
TG Sokari

Concentrations of the trace metals lead, iron, copper and zinc were estimated in crops harvested in some oil prospecting locations in Rivers State, Nigeria. The locations were; Agbada-Aluu (AA), Ebocha (EB), Idu Ekpeye (IE), Obagi (OB) and Trans Amadi Layout (TA), with the Teaching and Research Farm of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt as control. Crops investigated were cassava (Manihot esculenta), cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), okra (Hibiscus esculentus), pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) and waterleaf (Talinum traingulare). Results of the mean lead concentrations were from 1.1µg/g in cocoyam to 9.1 µg/g in okro, showing higher trends in the industrialized areas. While cocoyam had the lowest lead concentration, the concentration rest of the crops did not differ significantly from one another. Crops from locations TA, OB, IE and EB had significantly higher concentrations of lead, although IE, AA and TF were not significantly different from one another. Mean concentrations of iron were between 40 µg/g in cassava from TF, and 651 µg/g in pumpkin leaves from TA - the industrial base of Rivers State - reflecting a high level of pollution from the various industries in that location. Differences in concentration of iron in crops showed pumpkin leaves to have the highest level of iron, followed by the other green vegetables – waterleaf and okra - although no significant differences occurred between okra, cocoyam and cassava. Copper concentrations were between 4.4 µg/g in cocoyam from locations TF and 23 µg/g in pumpkin leaves from TA. Pumpkin leaves had the highest concentrations of copper, followed by okra, then waterleaf, with cocoyam and cassava having the least significant levels. Zinc concentrations in crops were between 29 µg/g in cocoyam from TF to 240 µg/g in pumpkin leaves from EB. Pumpkin leaves and okra contained the highest levels of the metal, followed by waterleaf, then cassava and finally cocoyam. In terms of location, TA, OB and EB had the highest concentrations in crops, the least occurring in TF and AA. These results reflect higher concentrations of metals in crops from the industrialized locations, with the green vegetables, particularly pumpkin leaves, having the highest uptake, while cocoyam invariably had the least. These findings give cause for concern, particularly as heavy metals are bio-accumulative in the system and portend a serious health risk to man and animals.


Author(s):  
Ojeka Sunday Ogbu ◽  
Zabbey Victor Zigabelbari ◽  
Saronee Friday

Introduction: Menopause simply refers to the time when a woman stops having monthly period. There have been numerous systematic studies into the age at onset of menopause and the factors affecting it, in different parts of the world. However, the establishment of this age and factors affecting it in Rivers state has been scanty. Aim: This research was therefore undertaken to ascertain the age at onset of menopause in women of Rivers state, residing in Port Harcourt and the effect of parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control on it. Methodology: This study used data from over 380 postmenopausal women from populations in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Different ages specified by the respondents through structural questionnaires were used. The data was collected and analyzed using the ANOVA method. It was used to obtain a percentage frequency which was presented in a table. Results: The result shows the mean menopausal age among Rivers state women to be 49.1 years. It was also found that menopausal age was affected by subjects’ parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control. Conclusion: The mean menopausal age of women of Rivers State, living in Port Harcourt has been found to be 49.1 years. This age has also been found to be positively affected by a woman’s parity, age at last child birth and form of birth control.


Author(s):  
B. I. Bakare ◽  
K. J. Biebuma ◽  
Sunny Orike

This paper presents the prediction of signal attenuation Digital Terrestrial Television (DTTV) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria A signal Tracker (WS6916), Micronix Global Positioning System (GSP) module alongside a drive test was used to carry out the research work at Star times office, Olu-Obasanjo Road. The Power Density change with the varying distance between the receiver and the transmitter (Nobe B). For a more concise measurement, readings were taken between April and August 2019 (wet season) at different times of the day. The path loss exponent (n) of 4.7 reveals that Olu-Obasanjo road is an urban area. As the location changed, the path loss exponent (n) increased to 15.4, revealing the interference of tall buildings, and other forms of obstruction. The exponential shape of the graph shows a decaying signal along the distance axis with distance, expatiating that the inverse relationship between powers received (dbm) and distance (km).  Attenuation was observed to have increased while increasing the distance between the transmitter and receiver. The results obtained were analyzed using the log-distance empirical model to obtain both the parameters of Path loss exponent and the Mean Square Error (MSE).


Author(s):  
Austin A. Okwelle ◽  
Tamunosisi F. Mac- Pepple

This study analysed the levels of some heavy metals like copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), chromium(Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) present in selected food spices widely used in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and wet digestion was used for analysis. The results revealed different concentrations of heavy metals in the food spices analysed. The mean and standard deviation of heavy metals across the samples revealed that copper had the highest concentration in tomatoes (15.45±5.09 mg/Kg), curry (10.30±2.03 mg/Kg), garlic (8.65±2.08 mg/Kg), onions (6.50±2.52 mg/Kg) and uda (6.15±3.75 mg/Kg) respectively. Chromium was only detected in curry (2.75±1.00 mg/Kg), pepper (0.65±0.02 mg/Kg) and salt (0.05±0.00 mg/kg). The detected level of nickel was high in tomatoes (6.90±4.89 mg/Kg), curry (4.09±1.90 mg/Kg), salt (6.15±3.70 mg/Kg) and onions (3.09±2.10 mg/Kg). Lead occurred more in uda (3.08±2.87 mg/Kg), tomatoes (3.80±1.28 mg/Kg), curry (2.86±1.34 mg/Kg) and salt (2.60±0.76 mg/Kg) respectively. Cadmium was not detected in any of the food spices, while in chilles spice no heavy metals was detected. The daily intake limit was calculated and compared with minimum risk level (MRL) values. The concentrations of lead in some of the food spices were much larger than those of MRL values. The regular consumption of the spices can lead to accumulation of these toxic heavy metals in human beings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emeka Chima Ogoko ◽  
Ajayi Olayinka Sylvester

Surface water may constitute public health issues if the water is contaminated. Consequent upon this assertion, the physicochemical parameters and tr ace metal concentration of Jabi Lake surface water were analysed and compared with WHO standards. Sixteen water samples were taken for analysis from Jabi Lake within Abuja in Nigeria. Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were adopted in the analysis of the physicochemical parameters while heavy metals ions determination was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results obtained revealed marked differences in the levels of some physicochemical properties and trace metal ion concentration in the surface water samples when compared with WHO standards. Though most physicochemical parameters were within acceptable and safe limits, but with nitrate having higher concentrations. The concentrations of manganese, iron, cobalt, lead and chromium were well above the WHO maximum permissible limits for surface water. The pollution index of manganese, iron, cobalt, lead and chromium were above unity (1.0), indicating very high level of pollution. The results of the physicochemical and trace metal analysis when compared with WHO suggest that the water samples from Jabi Lake was not suitable for drinking while the concentrations of the metal ions were found decreasing in this order; Pb ˃Fe˃Cr˃Mn˃Co˃Zn.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-211
Author(s):  
Nwoke IB ◽  
Edori ES

The concentration of six chemical species Pb, Cd, As, nitrates, fluorides and sulphates in the groundwater (borehole) samples were investigated in four boreholes sited close to a dumpsite in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Nitrates, fluorides and sulphates were analyzed using standard conventional methods while the heavy metals were determined and analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean values obtained for the different chemical species within the months of investigation for the stations were in the range: lead; 0.012±0.001-0.015±0.000mg/L, with an average of 0.013±0.001mg/L within the months, Cd; 0.004±0.002-0.005±0.001mg/L, with an average of 0.005±0.001mg/L within the months, As; 0.002±0.001-0.003±0.002mg/L, with an average of 0.003±0.001mg/L within the months, nitrates; 0.413±0.172-0.730±0.691mg/L, with an average of 0.511±0.139mg/L within the months, fluorides; 0.004±0.001-0.006±0.001mg/L, with an average of 0.005±0.001mg/L within the months and sulphates; 0.197±0.046-0.338±0.072mg/L, with an average of 0.290±0.055mg/L within the months. These values obtained for the different chemical species showed that the boreholes sited near the dumpsite were still at the level that will not pose any health risk to the user, for their concentrations were still within limits allowed by WHO and USEPA. Even though the government and its agencies should regulate the mode of dumping of refuse and also the siting of boreholes so that the groundwater will not be polluted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 025-035
Author(s):  
Edori ES ◽  
Iyama WA ◽  
Edori OS

Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-30cm within two steel markets and a control site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria to assess the level of heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As) in the environment. Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer was used to analyze the samples for heavy metals. The concentrations of all the heavy metals in the steel rods markets exceeded that of the control. The results indicated that heavy metals concentrations in the sites were in the order; Mile III > Kala > RSU. The average levels of contamination of heavy metals recorded followed the order Fe > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > As > Cd in Mile III, Fe > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in Kala and Fe > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in RSU (control). Mean concentrations obtained for heavy metals within the months of investigation were; 1420.931±9.155, 7.753±0.184, 8.730±0.050, 2.843±0.124, 9.428±0.122, 7.433±0.047 and 3.732±0.047 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively at the mile III station, while the mean concentrations of heavy metals observed at the Kala station were; 1161.173±1.823, 9.425±0.054, 7.596±0.027, 1.425±0.020, 6.507±0.006, 5.455±0.033 and 1.901±0.010 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. The mean values of heavy metals concentrations observed at the RSU station within the period were; 892.064±1.025,5.603±0.007, 5.841±0.051, 0.173±0.005, 3.389±0.009, 2.309±0.010 and 0.706±0.006 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. Pollution assessment models used for assessing the anthropogenic input on the quality of the soil in the area using the control site as the basis of judgment were: contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), contamination degree (CD), modified contamination degree (mCD), potential ecological risk coefficient (Eir), potential ecological risk index (RI), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and anthropogenicity. These indices revealed that the steel markets were contaminated and polluted and poses ecological risks by heavy metals, even though the values obtained were still below the WHO acceptable limits. The steel rods markets need to be adequately monitored and regulated to avoid further soil contamination by heavy metals to a degree that will be dangerous to human health.


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