Characterization of surface water in Robertkiri, Idama and Jokka Creek of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria

Abstract

The oil industry has been a growth engine to the economy of Nigeria; however, its activities such as oil exploration, exploitation, spillage, refining and distribution have caused several environmental defects to its receptors of which surface water is at risk. This research examined the characteristics of surface water in oil-producing areas in the Niger Delta during the wet and dry seasons. The pH values ranged from 6.10- 6.80 during the wet season and 6.25 - 6.92 for the dry season. This was an optimum value for the aquatic lives inhabiting these waters. However, the electrical conductivity and TDS values were relatively high for the dry season and low for the wet season, where rain could have diluted the salt content. The TDS values ranged from 2176 - 4036 mg/L. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations varied between 0.003 - 0.034 mg/L for wet season and ranged from 0.008-0.0054 mg/L for the dry season. Due to the natural conditions for degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, it is favourable with high temperatures and relatively high rainfall. In respect to this, a lower concentration was recorded for the wet season and much higher during the dry season. Value as high as 0.00 - 8.05 mg/l were observed for zinc which could be detrimental to human health. The continuous oil exploration and anthropogenic activities if not properly monitored, could pose serious threat to human and aquatic lives.