Organic Contamination in Water and Sediment of Opokuma Community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Iwalokun Joseph Adebowale¹, Paaru Moses² and Richard Otayoor Abalist³

¹ Lecturer, Department of Geology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

² Research Scholar, Department of Geology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

³ Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 

Abstract

This study assessed the levels of organic contamination and selected physicochemical parameters in water and sediment samples from the Opokuma community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Ten sampling stations were established along a creek at approximately 100 m intervals, and both water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The parameters determined included pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), total hydrocarbon content (THC), and iron (Fe). The mean pH values were 5.12 ± 0.09 for water and 6.41 ± 0.52 for sediment, indicating slightly acidic conditions. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were 3.05 ± 0.32 mg/L in water and 2.73 ± 0.31 mg/L in sediment, which are below the recommended limit of 5 mg/L. Biochemical oxygen demand values were 59.48 ± 6.26 mg/L in water and 83.60 ± 9.60 mg/L in sediment, while chemical oxygen demand values were 104.55 ± 20.79 mg/L in water and 199.13 ± 41.29 mg/L in sediment, indicating significant organic pollution. The concentrations of total hydrocarbon content were 1.61 ± 0.46 mg/L in water and 2.68 ± 0.68 mg/L in sediment, whereas total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations were 0.62 ± 0.76 mg/L in water and 0.91 ± 0.81 mg/L in sediment. Iron concentrations were 1.63 ± 0.42 mg/L in water and 0.96 ± 0.55 mg/L in sediment, exceeding recommended limits. Total organic carbon values were 3.26 ± 0.61 mg/L in water and 2.97 ± 0.35 mg/L in sediment. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between water and sediment samples for pH, DO, BOD, THC, and Fe. The results indicate organic and hydrocarbon contamination in the study area, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and environmental management.    

Keywords: Organic contamination, physicochemical parameters, petroleum hydrocarbons, water quality, sediment quality, Niger Delta

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