Toxicologie environnementale et analytique

Assessment of the Impacts of Refinery Effluent on the Physico-chemical Properties of Ubeji Creek, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Odesiri-Eruteyan Eunice, Obukohwo Frank, Uhribo Voke and Asibor Godwin

Ubeji Creek in Delta State, Nigeria is an important source of surface water for residents in Warri area is continually being polluted by the regular introduction of wastes and effluents from industries. The impact of industrial effluent on the physico-chemical properties of Ubeji creek in Warri, Delta State was investigated to determine the quality of the water body as well as the extent of pollution. The data that were used in this study were generated from direct field measurements and laboratory analyses. Results of measured parameters showed variation in pH (7.04-7.22), total hardness (32.75-127.63 mg/l), turbidity (26.18-69.75 NTU), THC (2.61-9.37 mg/l), TDS (78.20-615.30 mg/l), TSS (12.63-13.34 mg/l), COD (12.85-49.10 mg/l), BOD (7.34-15.62 mg/l), EC (158.06-1270.80 μs/cm), DO (3.12-4.37 mg/l), phosphate (<0.01 mg/l), bicarbonate (1.23-17.85 mg/l), sulphate (6.52-37.44 mg/l) and nitrate concentrations ranging from 0.28-39.01 mg/l. The results were compared with the DPR and FEPA permissible limits as well as the WHO allowable limits for potable water. The major sources of pollution were observed to be effluents from the industries and dump sites within and around the creek catchment. This is indicative of the ineffective treatment systems and illegal waste disposal practices. These effluents were observed to have negative impact on the creek’s ecosystem and pose a health risk to several rural communities which rely on the receiving water body as their source of domestic water. In order to improve the ecological status of the creek, waste management practice of effluent treatment and strict enforcement of existing legislation to ensuring compliance.