Pollution Evaluation Based on Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Levels of Miniokoro Stream, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Evaluation of physicochemical parameters and heavy metal levels in surface water of the Miniokoro stream, Port Harcourt, Nigeria were investigated to determine its potability and pollution status at various stations along the stream.  The physicochemical parameters analyzed in the water samples were: pH, Temperature, Salinity, Electrical conductivity, TDS, DO, BOD, Alkalinity, Chloride, NH4+, NO3-, PO43-, SO42- while heavy metals such as Nickel, lead, Iron, Zinc and Chromium were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results from the research showed an average concentration level of the physicochemical parameters such as pH (5.79-7.01), EC (136.43 - 960.67µS/cm), TDS (90.17 - 1517.67) and the spatial distribution of heavy metals: zinc (0.07 - 1.09mg/l), chromium (0.03 - 0.09mg/l), nickel (0.07 - 0.08mg/l) and iron (12.29 - 39.95mg/l). Water samples from various stations depicts the varying level of pollution along the stream when compared with national and international permissible limit. Thus, it suggests that the government should develop and implement an effective waste management plans due to environmental and other anthropogenic impacts on the stream.