CLETUS, JOSEPH IFWK (2026) ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS, HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION, AND WATER QUALITY OF SURFACE WATER IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
![[img]](https://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text
cletus joseph project report.docx Download (9MB) |
Abstract
This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, heavy metal levels and overall water quality of surface water in five local government areas (LGAs) namely Port Harcourt, Eleme, Okrika, Oyigbo and Obio/Akpor of Rivers State, Nigeria. Twenty-five samples of surface water were taken from selected locations using the standard sampling procedure and the physicochemical parameters namely pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and total hardness were analyzed. The heavy metals Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Fe were also analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Water quality was assessed using Water Quality Index (WQI), Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and Metal Index (MI) and the measured concentrations were compared with the drinking water guideline values given by the WHO. From the results it was seen that all the physicochemical parameters were in acceptable range except temperature and total hardness which were beyond the recommended values at some places. Nickel, lead, cadmium, chromium and iron concentrations were observed to be more than the permissible limits as specified by the WHO in all the study areas, which revealed high levels of contamination among heavy metals. The Water Quality Index values obtained were between 16,530.51 at Eleme and 61,520.49 at Obio/Akpor which all the waters sampled were rated as unsuitable for drinking. The results of the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HMP Index) ranged from 17,706.42 to 66,122.14 which shows a very high level of heavy metal pollution. Likewise, Metal Index scores ranged between 666.21 and 1,721.81, with all locations in the "Seriously Affected" category and water quality severely impacted. The results show that the water quality of surface water in the study area has been greatly affected by petroleum exploration, industrial activities, urban runoff and poor waste management. The contamination is of significant environmental and public health concern to the communities that rely on these water resources. The study suggests that constant monitoring of the environment, strict adherence to environmental laws, efficient wastewater treatment, cleanup of contaminated water bodies, and processing alternative water sources for safe consumption should be encouraged to ensure good health and sustainable use of water resources..
| Item Type: | Thesis (Other) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies |
| Depositing User: | MICHAEL MADUBUKO |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Aug 2026 11:45 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Aug 2026 11:45 |
| URI: | http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6222 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
