Impact of industrial activities on water and sediment quality of the Okulu River: A study of PH, Alkalinity, Cadmium, and Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Chukwudozie Colman Ifiora; G. N. Woke; Felicity Uju Onwudinjo; Chimezie Ekeke; T. M. Iringe-Koko; Paul Aforji Osaro

doi:10.62672/hucse.v3i1.49

Authors

Chukwudozie Colman Ifiora University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
G. N. Woke University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Felicity Uju Onwudinjo Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, Nigeria
Chimezie Ekeke University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
T. M. Iringe-Koko University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Paul Aforji Osaro University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62672/hucse.v3i1.49

Keywords:

Cadmium, Industrial pollution, Okulu river, Petroleum hydrocarbons, Water quality

Abstract

Industrial activities, particularly in oil-producing and manufacturing regions, often release effluents containing heavy metals and hydrocarbons into nearby water bodies, posing significant environmental and public health risks. The Okulu River lies within the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, and it is subject to the anthropogenic forces that have the potential to affect the water and sediment quality. The design of this research was a descriptive environmental assessment to explore the impact of industrial activities on water and sediment in this river. After the standard sampling methods, five surface water and sediment samples were gathered at four affected areas by industry and one control area. The samples were used to determine the pH, alkalinity, total petroleum hydrocarbons, and cadmium in a certified lab using standard procedures and calibrated instruments. We juxtaposed the findings with the whole world health organization allowed limits in order to evaluate the levels of pollution and the possible environmental and health risks. Surface water pH showed slight acidity, ranging from (6.2–6.6), while sediment pH ranged from (6.2–6.7), all within WHO limits. Surface water alkalinity was elevated at impacted sites (262.85–320.92 mg/L) compared to the control (93.2 mg/L), exceeding the WHO limit (200 mg/L). TPH levels were extremely high in surface water (13.99–3411.5 ppm) and sediments (34.17–13149.0 ppm), surpassing the WHO limit (10 ppm). Cadmium concentrations exceeded WHO standards (0.8 mg/L) in surface water (1.22–3.8 mg/L) and sediments (1.76–2.06 mg/L) at impacted sites, indicating significant industrial contamination. These results indicate severe contamination linked to industrial activities, with potential ecological and human health implications. Immediate monitoring, regulatory enforcement, and remediation strategies are essential to restore and safeguard the Okulu River ecosystem.

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