Water Quality Index (WQI) Assessment along Inland Fresh Waters of Taylor Creek in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

J. Environ. Treat. Tech.

ISSN: 2309-1185

Journal web link: http://www.jett.dormaj.com

Water Quality Index (WQI) Assessment along

Inland Fresh Waters of Taylor Creek in

Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Ayobami Aigberua*, Timi Tarawou

Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Received: 21/02/2019

Accepted: 10/06/2019

Published: 30/09/2019

Abstract

The overall water quality status of Taylor Creek was determined using water quality index. The river course was

characterized by human activities such as artisanal dredging, fish farming, waste dumpsites and farmlands amongst other

influences. Samples were collected in the dry season month of December 2018 at two points each across five stations. A

total of ten surface water samples were analysed for physicochemical parameters using APHA standard procedures. The

assessed water quality parameters depicted the ranges: 73.00 – 79.00 µs/cm EC, 40.20 – 43.65 mg/l TDS, 5.85 – 6.20 pH,

.00 – 8.00 mg/l TA, 12.00 – 16.50 mg/l TH, 2.10 - 2.73 mg/l Ca, 0.58 – 1.07 mg/l Mg, 6.20 – 8.50 mg/l DO, 16.50 – 24.74

mg/l Cl , 3.00 – 3.60 mg/l NO and 0.50 – 1.71 mg/l BOD . Only two water parameters depicted significant difference

(

P<0.05) with the trend: Ca < BOD₅while significant variation (P<0.05) among sample locations revealed the trend:

Ogboloma > Okolobiri > Obunagha = Koroama > Polaku. EC showed strong positive correlation with TDS while NO

showed the most positive correlation; its positive correlations with pH, TA, Cl , DO and BOD depicts it as an important

water quality indicator. Deterioration in water quality status depicted the trend: Koroama < Obunagha < Polaku < Ogboloma

Okolobiri. WQI assessment showed that the water environment was of poor quality which may portend adverse health

risks to members of the public who consume it. Consequently, the Creek should be monitored regularly to evaluate trends,

establish baseline information and guide against pollution-encroaching activities.

Keywords: Taylor creek, dissolved oxygen (DO), American Public Health Association (APHA), biochemical oxygen

demand (BOD), nitrate (NO )

pipelines [5-6]. Rivers are often recipients of municipal

Introduction

wastes, human sewage, abattoir effluent and industrial

discharges. Streams and rivers most burdened by

anthropogenic inputs are those which stretch across areas

of notable human pressure which may include farmlands,

industries, coastal and metropolitan areas [3, 7, 9]. Most

often, rivers serve as fish farms and water source for

indigenous residents. Hence, the direct or indirect

contamination may be detrimental to the health of those

who consume it [4, 27-28], or use it for farm irrigation

and recreational (swimming) purposes.

Across the globe, clean water remains a daily and

indispensable requirement for everyone and for all

communities. Provision of clean portable water for

drinking, industrial applications and farm management

has become a major source of worry for governments [3,

Taylor Creek is a non-tidal fresh water environment

located in Gbarain clan in Yenagoa Local Government

area of Bayelsa State. The creek stretches 16 km north,

north east (NNE) of the state capital (Yenagoa) [30]. The

geographical coordinates lie within the latitudes 5° 01’ to

° 03’ N and longitudes 006° 16’ and 006° 20’ E and is

bound by neighbouring settlements such as Polaku,

Koroama, Obunagha, Okolobiri and Ogoloma amongst

others. The Taylor Creek is an estuary of the Nun River

which enters its course from Polaku community [11, 40]

and is home to the Etelebou flow station and Gbarain-

Ubie gas plant [14]. The inland creek also receives

municipal and agricultural run-offs from waste dumps

along the creek line and cultivated farmlands sloping

downhill into the waterways.

0, 34], while polluted environments have been observed

Ecosystem continues to be ravaged by the numerous

oil and gas related installations including flow stations,

oil well heads, loading terminals, tank farms [20], and oil

to portend deleterious effects on human health, fauna and

flora species [8-10, 27, 36]. Developing countries are

mostly affected by cases of child death resulting from

water related diseases [18]. For instance, the potential of

water resources in Nigeria is poorly developed and

exploited, leading to shortage in clean water supply as

against its enormous demand for multipurpose uses.

Point sources of water pollution include wastes from

human settlements, commercial (boat transport and local

Corresponding author: Ayobami Aigberua, Department

of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta

University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. E-

mail:ozedee101@gmail.com.,

032765181.

Contact:

+234

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

sand dredging), petroleum industry and precipitation of

atmospheric pollutants while non-point sources of water

pollution include run-off from agricultural lands treated

with fertilizers and pesticides which cause nutrient

enrichment and eutrophication of surface waters [22].

Inter-community boat transport and local sand dredging

activities were established at the Polaku jetty while the

inland shores of the Creek stretching across the other

communities showed patches of municipal dumpsites on

one end with continuous agricultural farmlands across

the creek line.

Even though variations may exist from country to

country; global water use pattern has been depicted as:

irrigation 73%, industrial uses 21% and public use 6%.

Water use is estimated at about 40% industrial use in

developed countries while an overwhelming bulk of

water is applied through irrigation in developing

countries. Water is used in Nigeria for agricultural food

supply (as irrigation medium amongst numerous other

applications), industrial activities, health care,

environmental sanitation, transportation and recreation.

Whereas ground water sources are responsible for over

Materials and Method

.1 Study Area and Sample Collection

The Taylor Creek is located in Yenagoa Local

Government Area of Bayelsa State. Its climate is

characterized by the dry and wet seasons with

temperatures reaching about 35 C all through the year

[30]. The vegetation consists of surrounding tropical

swamp forests. Surface water samples were established

to reflect the prevalent flow direction of water from

upstream at the Polaku jetty towards downstream at

Ogboloma community. The sampling rationale was

aimed at capturing the possible flow of contaminants and

its resultant effect on the quality status of the water body.

Sampling was carried out in the month of December

018 to represent the dry season. Each of the duplicate

samples was collected at spatially different geo-

referenced points across the five communities stretching

the Taylor Creek. Each sample was collected separately

into pre-washed

litre plastic containers (for

physicochemical parameters), 250 ml wide-mouth amber

bottles (for Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and 100 ml

sample vials acidified with nitric acid, HNO₃(for

calcium and magnesium). In-situ measurements were

taken on site and samples were stored in ice-packed

coolers before been transported to the laboratory. Each

sampling point was geo-referenced with a hand-held

Garmin Etrex model GPS (Table 1).

0% of water use in northern Nigeria, the relative

proportion of water use in the southern parts has been

estimated at about 40 to 50% ground to surface water

[22].

Consistent quantitative and qualitative evaluation of

the physical and chemical parameters of surface water

bodies is essential to identifying alterations in the quality

of water, especially along inland creeks and rivers that

receive municipal run-offs and industrial effluents.

Adequate information on the physicochemical

characteristics of the water body may aid in its

management and conservation [7, 29]. Water quality

parameters have been used to determine the overall

quality of water across the globe [10, 16, 26, 37). These

physicochemical parameters are compared with their

respective regulatory standardization limits to generate a

single value which depicts the quality status of a water

source. Water quality index (WQI) calculation is

preceded by the choice of physicochemical parameters,

calculation of sub-indices, assignment of parametric

weights and summation of sub-indices to determine an

overall index [10, 16]. WQI serves the purpose of

reflecting the combined influence of different water

quality parameters for determining water quality status.

Also, it is an indication of water quality wherein index

numbers are used to represent overall water quality and

its most suitable use. The application of this index is

useful for identifying space and time dynamics in the

quality of water; it also uses simple terms (such as:

excellent, good, poor, very poor, etc) to classify water

quality. The indices is one of the most simplified

methods of communicating water quality classification to

the general public or those in authority [10, 28, 33].

.2 Statistical Analysis

In order to determine the association and variation

across physicochemical parameters of Taylor Creek

water, descriptive statistical analysis was carried out

using statistical package for social science (SPSS)

version 20. Data was expressed as mean ± standard

deviation. The range (minimum and maximum) of the

values obtained across the sampling points was also

presented. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was

used to show significant variation at P<0.05. Where

significant variation occurred, Waller-Duncan statistics

was used to compare mean values of each test parameter

under investigation. Hierarchical cluster analysis was

carried out using Euclidean distance based on average

linkage between groups. The cluster analysis was carried

out for two variables (sample locations and

physicochemical variables) across the Taylor Creek.

Several authors have applied water quality index

(WQI) in different water sources across the Niger Delta

region of Nigeria. [12, 21, 24-25, 28, 31, 42] amongst

others had previously evaluated the water quality status

of different rivers across the Niger Delta region of

Nigeria. Also, [1, 24, 41, 43] amongst others assessed

underground water WQI in the region.

This study is aimed at using water quality index

(WQI) to identify the changes in water quality status of

inland fresh waters of the Taylor creek as river flows

downstream from Polaku jetty and cuts across other

communities.

Figure 1: The Polaku jetty front

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

.3 Procedure for physicochemical analysis of

water

Test procedures for the analysis of surface water

and expressed as mg/l units. Nitrate (NO

) was analysed

using HACH DR 890 colorimeter. Firstly, turbid samples

were filtered and eluted through column after been mixed

with 75 ml of ammonium chloride-EDTA solution. A

mixture of 50 ml sample and 2 ml colour reagent was

^r^e^a^dⁱⁿ^m^g^/^l^uⁿⁱ^t^s^N^O3 after 10 minutes at wavelength of

43 nm using distilled water as blank reagent. Using hot

samples are as described in Standard Methods for the

Examination of Water and Wastewater [13]. The

physicochemical parameters analysed were: electrical

conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, total

alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca),

magnesium (Mg), dissolved oxygen (DO), chloride (Cl ),

nitrate (NO ) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD ).

Some physicochemical parameters were measured

electrometrically using pH (Hanna HI 8314 model), EC

plate, exactly 20 ml water was digested by adding 5 ml

nitric acid (HNO ) and heating to slow boil until near-

dryness. The filtered extracts were diluted with distilled

water to 20 ml mark in a graduated measuring cylinder.

The cationic contents (Ca and Mg) were determined

using GBC Avanta PM A6600 type Flame Atomic

Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS) via air-acetylene flame

atomization, while concentrations of elements of interest

were acquired subject upon prior calibration of the

instrument with metal specific standard solutions

(Hanna HI 98303 model), TDS (Hanna HI 98303model)

and DO (Extech 407510A model) meters respectively on

site (in-situ) according to standard procedures [19].

Temperature, EC, pH and DO were recorded in situ

while on field with the appropriate instruments. Samples

for BOD₅were measured for DO after 5days of

(

prepared from a stock solution of 1,000 mg/l

AccuNoHaz standards for Ca and Mg). Elemental

concentrations were analysed at wavelengths of 422.7

and 285.2 (nm) for Ca and Mg respectively and

concentration units expressed as mg/l. Reagent blank was

also aspirated into the FAAS for quality assurance

purposes. Water Quality Status (WQS) applied in this

study was based on Water Quality Index (WQI)

previously adopted by [17, 23, 31-32, 38].

incubation at 20 C (using a Memmert UNB200 model

incubator). The calculated difference: DO (Day 1 - Day

) was reported as the concentration of BOD in mg/l

units. TA, TH and Cl concentrations were determined

using titrimetric methods. Total alkalinity (TA) was

determined by the titration of 100 ml water sample with

.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) to an orange-coloured

end-point using methyl orange as indicator while total

hardness (TH) was analysed by the titration of 100 ml

water sample with 0.01 M EDTA using Eriochrome

black T (ECBT) as indicator. An observed blue colour

was used to denote end-point. The chloride (Cl ) content

was determined by argentometric titration method. The

sample was titrated with 0.01 N silver nitrate (AgNO₃)

2.4

Quality assurance/Quality control

protocol for Ca and Mg analysis

The quality assurance and control protocols used

during analysis include the use of reagent blanks, sample

triplicate run and method of spike recovery. The reagent

blank (digested acid reagent only) was analyzed after

each metal run; this was applied for correcting

background metal levels which may have resulted from

reagent impurities.

using potassium chromate (KCrO ) indicator. Sample

was titrated to a pinkish yellow end-point. During each

titration protocol

containing distilled water and reagents) for quality

assurance purposes. All concentrations were calculated

a reagent blank was analysed

(

Table1: Description of water sampling points and activities within the Taylor Creek

Sample

Location(s)

Polaku

River flow

direction

Upstream

Sample

Code(s)

Possible sources of pollution

Longitude

Latitude

Close proximity to gas flare Polaku1

stack from nearby oil facility,

boat transport, local sand

dredging and nearby sloping

farmlands

ꢀ

49.321

ꢀ

50.795

Upstream

Midstream A

Nearby sloping farmlands

Nearby municipal waste dump Koroama1

and sloping farmlands

Polaku2

ꢀ

52.709

22.728

ꢀ

43.728

45.785

Koroama

town

Midstream A

Midstream B

Boat transport and nearby Koroama2

sloping farmlands

Nearby municipal waste dump Obunagha1 N5

and sloping farmlands

Nearby municipal waste dump Obunagha2 N5

and sloping farmlands, storm

ꢀ

18.702

1.933

3.655

ꢀ

47.579

32.621

43.877

Obunagha

town

water channel from community

Okolobiri

town

Midstream C

Nearby sloping farmlands

Nearby municipal waste dump Okolobiri2

and sloping farmlands

Okolobiri1

ꢀ

9.522

19.404

ꢀ

57.773

10.765

Ogboloma

town

Downstream

Nearby multiple waste dumps Ogboloma1 N5

and sloping farmlands,

recreational use of water

bathing, laundry and

swimming)

ꢀ

13.212

ꢀ

58.717

(

Downstream

Nearby waste dumps and Ogboloma2 N5

ꢀ

59.958

ꢀ

11.557

sloping farmlands

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

Table 2: Working conditions of the FAAS

Flame Composition

Concentration

Characteristic of Check

Air

flow

rate

Nebulizer

uptake

rate

Slit

Wave

length

(nm)

Lamp

current

(mA)

Calibration Acetylene

Metals width

Noise

range

flow rate

(L/min)

concentration

(mg/L)

standard

solution

(nm)

(µg/ml)

(L/min)

(ml/min)

(

mg/L)

0.50

1.0

422.7

285.2

5.00

3.00

0.01-4.0

0.01-0.4

2.00

10.00

5.0

0.001

0.5

0.1

The method of spike recovery was applied using

standard solutions of elements prior to sample digestion

and analysis. This was used for optimizing sample

preparation protocol. The percentage spike recoveries of

the different metals are listed in Table 3. The values

obtained ranged from 94.03 – 98.80 % which is

acceptable. The relative standard deviation between

analyses was ± 3.7 %. The limits of detection and

quantification (LODs and LOQs respectively) were

evaluated on the basis of the noise obtained for the

analysis of the blank samples (n=3). The LOD and LOQ

were defined as the concentration of analyte that results

in a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 and 10 respectively. The

value of LOD and LOQ (in mg/kg) for each test metal is

given in Table 3 below.

Subsequently, calculation of WQI was carried out using

the expression given in Equation (3).

WQI = Σ Qi  Wi / Σ Wi

(3)

where, Qi is quality rating of i water quality parameter

and Wi is unit weight of i water quality parameter. The

quality rating (Qi) is calculated using the expression

given in Equation (4).

Qi = [(Vi – Vid) / (Si - Vid)] x 100

(4)

where, Vi is estimated value of i water quality

parameter at a given sample location, Vid is ideal value

for i parameter in pure water (note: Vid for pH = 7, DO

14.6, and 0 for all other parameters) and Si is standard

.5 Calculation of Water Quality Index (WQI)

The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated

permissible value of i water quality parameter.

through a series of steps. Firstly, the unit weight (Wi)

was assigned to each parameter analyzed in the water

samples. This was done in accordance to their relative

importance in the overall quality of water. This was done

in accordance to their relative importance in the overall

quality of water as applied by [17, 23, 31-32, 38]. In this

study, unit weights for each of the eleven (11) parameters

been considered (EC, TDS, pH, TA, TH, Ca, Mg, DO,

3 Result and Discussion

Spatial variations of physicochemical parameters in

surface waters of Taylor Creek are illustrated in Table 5.

The calcium concentration ranged from 2.10 - 2.73 mg/l.

Calcium showed no significant difference (p>0.05)

except for Polaku community. This may be due to

increased human activities such as artisanal dredging and

boat sails which are dominant at the Polaku jetty when

compared to other nearby settlement towns (Figure 1).

Cl , NO and BOD ) were assigned using the formula:

Wi = k/Si

(1)

BOD levels ranged from 0.50 – 1.71 mg/l (Table 5).

Apart from Okolobiri and Ogboloma communities which

where, Si is standard permissible value of i water

quality parameter and k is constant of proportionality and

it is calculated by using the expression:

depicted significant variation (p<0.05) for BOD across

the Taylor Creek, all other sampling stations indicated

similarities in activities responsible for oxygen demand.

k = [1/ (Σ 1/ Si=1, 2,..i)]

(2)

Table 3: Spike recovery, limits of detection for Ca and Mg quantification

Quantity Sample

LOQ

determined concentration recovery

Percentage

LOD

mg/kg)

Metals

Quantity of standard added (mg/kg)

(

(mg/kg)

(

mg/kg)

(mg/kg)

(%)

0.001

0.50

0.10

2.10

0.63

2.57

0.67

98.80

94.03

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ꢘꢙꢚꢚ

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ꢀ

ꢁꢂꢃꢄꢅꢂꢆꢇꢈ

Table 4: WQI and its respective water quality status

Water Quality Status

Water Quality Index Level

– 25

Excellent water quality

Good water quality

Poor water quality

Very poor water quality

Unsuitable for drinking

6 – 50

1 – 75

6 – 100

100

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

The multiple dumpsites between Okolobiri and

Ogboloma (midstream C and downstream locations of

the river stretch), the flow direction of the river

downstream, as well as recreational activities (bathing,

swimming and laundry) (Table 1) may have been

responsible for these significant variations. All other

physicochemical variables that were evaluated showed

no significant difference (p>0.05) across the stretch of

the Taylor Creek. The parameters reportedly reflected the

ranges: EC (73.00 – 79.00 µs/cm), TDS (40.20 – 43.65

mg/l), pH (5.85 – 6.20), TA (7.00 – 8.00 mg/l), TH

negative correlation with BOD (r=-0.470, p<0.05) while

reflecting the most significant positive correlation with

Ca (r=0.590, p<0.05). Ca revealed the most significant

negative correlation with NO₃(r=-0.537, p<0.05) and

depicted the most significant positive correlation with

DO (r=0.372, p<0.05). Mg revealed the most significant

negative (r=-0.225, p<0.05) and positive (r=0.360,

p<0.05) correlation with Cl and DO respectively. DO

showed the most significant negative correlation with Cl

(r=-0.355, p<0.05) and reflected the most significant

positive correlation with NO₃(r=0.264, p<0.05). Cl-

(

12.00 – 16.50 mg/l), Mg (0.58 – 1.07 mg/l), DO (6.20 –

showed negative (r=-0.145, p<0.05) a_-nd positive

.50 mg/l), Cl (16.50 – 24.74 mg/l) and NO (3.00 –

(r=0.256, p<0.05) correlation with NO and BOD

.60 mg/l). The significant difference between

respectively. NO showed positive correlation with BOD

physicochemical variables can be summarized as: Ca <

BOD₅while the significant variation among sample

locations were: Ogboloma > Okolobiri > Obunagha =

Koroama > Polaku (Table 5).

(r=0.175, p<0.05) (Table 5).

Clustering techniques are used to isolate objects

associated with a specific cluster; such objects should be

quite similar. Physical and chemical variables of mutual

dependence show similarity or closeness in

characteristics (or association) while those of mutual

EC showed the most significant negative correlation

with Cl (r=-0.107, p<0.05) and depicted the most

significant positive correlation with TDS (r=1.000,

p<0.01). TDS showed the most significant negative

independence

reflect

differing

characteristics.

Physicochemical parameters which were analysed in the

fresh water environment of Taylor Creek revealed

strongest mutual dependence for (EC and TDS), (TH and

correlation with Cl (r=-0.107, p<0.05) and depicted the

most significant positive correlation with NO₃(r=0.716,

p<0.05). Water pH showed the most significant negative

relationship with Ca (r=-0.551, p<0.05) and depicted the

Cl ) (Figure 2). Consequently, these pairs of parameters

are directly proportional one to another. Hence, an

increase in one will lead to an increase in the other. EC

and TDS have been reported to show strong linear

correlation in natural waters [35, 39]. Also, [15] had

shown Cl- to bear significant positive correlation with

TH in Kosi river water.

most significant positive correlation with NO₃(r=0.347,

p<0.05). TA showed the most significant negative

correlation with TH (r=-0.222, p<0.05) while depicting

the most significant positive correlation with NO₃

(r=0.531, p<0.05). TH showed the most significant

Table 5: Physicochemical analysis of surface water samples from Taylor Creek

Parameters

EC (µs/cm)

TDS (mg/l)

Polaku

Koroama

Obunagha

76.00±7.07a

42.05±4.17a

6.00±0.00a

8.00±0.00a

16.50±4.95a

2.73±0.37ab

1.03±0.42a

7.20±2.55a

19.80±9.33a

3.00±0.28a

0.63±0.06a

Okolobiri

Ogboloma

78.00±2.83a

43.00±1.41a

6.10±0.14a

8.00±0.00a

12.00±1.41a

2.29±0.16ab

0.98±0.28a

6.80±1.13a

24.74±2.33a

3.55±0.21a

1.71±0.65b

79.00±9.90a

43.65±5.16a

6.20±0.14a

8.00±0.00a

12.50±3.54a

2.10±0.09a

1.07±0.33a

7.20±0.28a

16.50±4.66a

3.60±0.28a

0.50±0.29a

75.50±3.54a

41.60±1.98a

6.10±0.00a

7.00±1.41a

16.50±2.21a

2.40±0.05ab

0.67±0.09a

8.50±0.42a

21.44±2.33a

3.30±0.57a

0.65±0.09a

73.00±2.83a

40.20±1.56a

5.85±0.21a

7.50±0.71a

14.00±1.41a

2.33±0.02ab

0.58±0.12a

6.20±1.13a

19.80±9.33a

3.15±0.21a

1.13±0.18ab

TA (mg/l)

TH (mg/l)

Ca (mg/l)

Mg (mg/l)

DO (mg/l)

Cl (mg/l)

NO₃(mg/l)

BOD (mg/l)

Data is expressed as mean ± standard deviation; Different letter along the column indicates significant difference (P<).05)

according to Duncan statistic

Table 6: Spearman's rho correlation of physicochemical parameters along the Taylor Creek

Paramete

TDS

NO₃

1.000

TDS

BOD

1.000

0.044

0.456

0.455

0.036

0.468

0.569

0.044

0.456

0.455

0.036

0.468

0.569

-0.107

1.000

0.014

-0.383

-0.551

0.247

0.121

-0.206

0.347

-0.115

1.000

-0.222

-0.121

0.493

0.074

0.183

0.531

0.170

1.000

0.590

-0.068

0.594

-0.103

-0.131

-0.470

1.000

0.030

0.372

0.175

-0.537

-0.239

1.000

0.360

-0.225

0.256

-0.147

1.000

-0.107

-0.355

0.264

-0.166

1.000

-0.145

0.256

NO₃

0.716

-0.083

1.000

0.175

BOD

-0.083

1.00

*. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).

(

N=10).

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

They had also suggested that TH of water samples is

and Ogboloma 1), and (Okolobiri 2 and Ogboloma 2).

This may be due to the resemblance in the pollution

sources and dominant activities within each of the paired

settlements. In the same manner, the water environment

tends to redistribute its mineral content and pollutants

across the flow direction of Taylor Creek (from upstream

at Polaku towards downstream at Ogboloma). Also,

(Polaku 1) and (Obunagha 1) showed the strongest

mutual independence. This may have resulted from the

presence of municipal waste dumps at (Obunagha 1) and

the relative absence of dumpsite leachate encroachments

observed at (Polaku 1) community (Table 1).

mainly due to the presence of the MgCl and NaCl. On

the other hand, the strongest mutual independence was

observed between TDS and Mg. Similarly, the content of

Mg in Kosi water showed negative correlation with TDS

and was only positively correlated with turbidity, pH, TH

and sulphate (SO₄).

The settlements along the stretch of the Taylor Creek

were assessed for points of close association (mutual

dependence) (Figure 3). The following pairs of

communities depicted mutual dependence and close

characteristics: (Polaku 1 and Okolobiri 1), (Koroama 2

Figure 2: Hierarchical dendograms of different physicochemical variables in Taylor Creek

Figure 3: Hierarchical dendograms of different settlements within the Taylor Creek

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

Table 7: Calculated water quality index (WQI) for Polaku

Observed

value (Vi)

Ideal

value

(Vid)

Unit

weight

(Wi)

Quality

Rating

(Qi)

10.65

9.82

-34.78

8.70

14.29

2.88

5.68

336.36

7.07

56.25

5.26

Standard

value (Si)

Recommending

Agency for (Si)

Parameters

QiWi

0.01917

value

(Upstream)

TDS

79.0

44.7

6.2

8.0

900

500

8.5

100

WHO

DPR

14.6

1.645

0.0018

0.0033

0.1935

0.0165

0.0219

0.0823

0.3290

0.0066

0.1645

ΣWi=1

0.03241

-6.72993

0.14355

0.23579

0.06307

0.46746

110.66

0.04666

9.25313

WHO

DPR

WHO

DPR

12.5

2.101

1.075

7.2

16.50

3.6

5.0

250

NO₃

BOD₅

0.500

0.86527

ΣQiWi=115.07

WQI = ΣQiWi / ΣWi = 115.07 (unsuitable for drinking)

Table 8: Calculated water quality index (WQI) for Koroama

Observed

value (Vi)

Ideal

value

Unit

weight

(Wi)

Quality

Rating

(Qi)

Standard

value (Si)

Recommending

Agency for (Si)

Parameters

QiWi

(Midstream

value

(Vid)

TDS

75.5

41.6

6.1

900

500

8.5

100

WHO

DPR

14.6

1.645

0.0018

0.0033

0.1935

0.0165

0.0219

0.0823

0.3290

0.0066

0.1645

ΣWi=1

9.16

9.08

-37.50

7.53

19.76

3.31

3.44

174.29

9.38

49.25

6.91

0.01649

0.02996

-7.25625

0.12425

0.32604

0.07249

0.28311

57.34

7.0

WHO

DPR

WHO

DPR

16.5

2.402

0.666

8.5

21.44

3.3

5.0

250

0.06191

8.10163

1.13670

ΣQiWi=60.24

NO₃

BOD₅

0.646

WQI = ΣQiWi / ΣWi = 60.24 (poor water quality)

Table 9: Calculated water quality index (WQI) for Obunagha

Observed

value (Vi)

Ideal

value

Unit

weight

(Wi)

Quality

Rating

(Qi)

Standard

value (Si)

Recommending

Agency for (Si)

Parameters

QiWi

(Midstream

value

(Vid)

TDS

76.0

42.1

6.0

900

500

8.5

100

WHO

DPR

14.6

1.645

0.0018

0.0033

0.1935

0.0165

0.0219

0.0823

0.3290

0.0066

0.1645

ΣWi=1

9.22

9.19

-40.00

8.70

19.76

3.78

5.41

336.36

8.60

42.86

6.67

0.01660

0.03033

-7.74000

0.14355

0.32604

0.08278

0.44524

110.66

0.05676

7.05047

8.0

WHO

DPR

WHO

DPR

16.5

2.730

1.026

7.2

19.80

3.0

5.0

250

NO₃

BOD₅

0.625

1.09722

ΣQiWi=112.17

WQI = ΣQiWi / ΣWi = 112.17 (unsuitable for drinking)

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

Table 10: Calculated water quality index (WQI) for Okolobiri

Observed

value (Vi)

Ideal

value

Unit

weight

(Wi)

Quality

Rating

(Qi)

Standard

value (Si)

Recommending

Agency for (Si)

Parameters

QiWi

0.01589

(Midstream

value

(Vid)

TDS

73.0

40.2

5.9

900

500

8.5

100

WHO

DPR

14.6

1.645

0.0018

0.0033

0.1935

0.0165

0.0219

0.0823

0.3290

0.0066

0.1645

ΣWi=1

8.83

8.74

-42.31

8.11

16.28

3.21

2.97

700.00

8.60

47.06

12.68

0.02884

-8.18699

0.13382

0.26862

0.07030

0.24443

230.30

0.05676

7.74137

7.5

WHO

DPR

WHO

DPR

14.0

2.333

0.577

6.2

19.80

3.2

5.0

250

NO₃

BOD₅

1.125

2.08586

ΣQiWi=232.76

WQI = ΣQiWi / ΣWi = 232.76 (unsuitable for drinking)

Table 11: Calculated water quality index (WQI) for Ogboloma

Observed value

(Vi)

Ideal

value

(Vid)

Unit

weight

(Wi)

Quality

Rating

(Qi)

Standard

value (Si)

Recommending

Agency for (Si)

Parameters

QiWi

value

(Downstream)

TDS

78.0

43.0

6.1

8.0

900

500

8.5

100

WHO

DPR

14.6

1.645

0.0018

0.0033

0.1935

0.0165

0.0219

0.0823

0.3290

0.0066

0.1645

ΣWi=1

9.49

9.41

-37.50

8.70

13.64

3.16

0.01708

0.03105

-7.25625

0.14355

0.22506

0.06920

0.42385

142.57

0.07267

9.25313

WHO

DPR

WHO

DPR

12.0

2.300

0.980

6.8

24.80

3.6

5.15

5.0

250

433.33

11.01

56.25

20.61

NO₃

BOD₅

1.709

3.39035

ΣQiWi=148.94

WQI = ΣQiWi / ΣWi = 148.94 (unsuitable for drinking)

Communities of the Taylor Creek revealed

similarities in trend. Nonetheless, the presence of nitrate

depicted a water environment clearly unsuitable for

drinking. Similarly, [12] had reported WQI of Otamiri

and Oramiriukwu rivers in Rivers State to be very bad as

it was calculated as 174.49. The quality of Ase River was

observed to be bad while the degree of deterioration was

higher downstream than at the upstream [31]. River

Orashi depicted marginal level of pollution as about 50%

of parameters considered failed to meet required standard

[21, 24] had applied WQI assessment on six selected

water bodies in Warri, Delta State and reported them to

be poor and very unfit for human use. Also, Brass River

in Bayelsa State was considered to be far from excellent

[28]. On the other hand, Isiodu River in Niger Delta was

not considered polluted even during the process of

dredging [25]. From this study, deterioration in water

quality status depicted the trend: Koroama < Obunagha <

Polaku < Ogboloma < Okolobiri (Tables 7 – 11). The

presence of multiple dumpsites throughout Okolobiri

community may be responsible for the poor degradation

in water quality. Consequently, water from the vicinity of

the Taylor Creek is not fit for human consumption. Also,

its use for recreational purposes (such as swimming)

among settlement dwellers should be discouraged.

(ranging between 3.0 and 3.6 mg/l) is an indication of the

presence of anthropogenic activities (such as waste

dumpsites at close proximity to the river and possible

pesticide leaching from agricultural run-offs). Similar

values of nitrate concentration were obtained at Nwaja

creek in Port Harcourt, Nigeria [2]. All the examined

water quality parameters were within WHO/DPR limit

except for pH (5.9 - 6.2) which was observed below DPR

limit and DO (6.2 – 8.5 mg/l) which exceeded the

recommended daily minimum of 5.0 mg/l [19, 44]

(Tables 7-11). The pH values reported for Taylor Creek

was within the range reported for Kwale, Ashaka and

Osemele rivers in Delta State, Nigeria (5.45 – 5.90)

during the dry season month of December [31]. Contrary

to the findings from this study, [28] had obtained near-

neutral pH units for the Brass River in Bayelsa State,

Nigeria. Also, [31] had reported DO values ranging from

.45 – 12.00 in the Kwale, Ashaka and Osemele rivers

thereby exceeding DPR daily minimum. From the

foregoing, there is need for routine monitoring of the

Taylor Creek because of its socio-economic importance

to the people. More so, the result of the calculated water

quality index (WQI) falls within the range of (60.24 –

Conclusions

Taylor creek depicts

32.76) (Tables 7 - 11) which indicates water quality

a slightly acidic water

status tending from “poor water quality” to “unsuitable

for drinking”. Apart from Koroama community which

showed poor water quality, all other communities

environment that contains nitrate loading mostly from

leachates emanating from multiple dumpsites along the

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2019, Volume 7, Issue 3, Pages: 260-269

stretch of the river. Even though its water quality

parameters fall within stipulated regulatory limits with

the exception of pH, the objectionable levels of colour

and unsightly appearance of its waters especially at

locations within the vicinity of waste dumps is a cause

for concern for settlement dwellers who may rely on it

for drinking and daily recreational activities. In addition,

WQI assessment reflects water environment in a state of

poor quality and generally unsuitable for public

consumption. Expectedly, EC showed the most

detector, Gas Chromatograph-Mass Selective Detector,

amongst others. He has published several research

articles in the area of oil spill pollution studies. He is

currently working on the use of chemical fingerprinting

techniques to identify sources of residual hydrocarbons

in environments that are prone to anthropogenic

influences.

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