Toxicants in Water: Hydrochemical Appraisal of Toxic Metals Concentration and Seasonal Variation in Drinking Water Quality in Oil and Gas Field Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater pollution is a major issue in many tropical countries. Governments at all levels are doing little or nothing to supply inhabitants with clean and accessible water, particularly in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. This study compares differences in water quality parameters in the study area (determine the level of pollutions in the different sites). The investigation made use of standard analytical methodologies. All sampling, conservation, transportation as well as analysis followed the usual APHA procedures (2012). To prevent degradation of the organic substances, all obtained samples were transferred to the laboratory, while keeping in an icebox. Result shows that during wet season, the mean values obtained for water quality parameters were significantly lower in site 9 compared with that obtained in other sites (p < 0.05) with the exemptions of temperature, DO, BOD, COD, acidity, TH, TDS, K, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, NH3, NO2, NO3, Ni though slightly lower in most cases in site 9 were not significantly different (p > 0.05) and both alkalinity and SO4 which were significantly higher in site 9 than site 1 (p < 0.05). Result obtained during dry season reveals that there is no remarkable difference in pH, acidity, Pb and Ni between the nine sites (p > 0.05) while other water quality parameters were significantly lower in site 9 than other sites excluding Cl and Mg which were both significantly higher in site 9 than site 8 (p < 0.05). Extra efforts must be made to completely understand the hydrogeochemical properties and appropriateness of groundwater in Nigeria’s core Niger Delta region in order to ensure quality groundwater supply for varied applications. As a result, this research will contribute to the establishment of a quantitative understanding of the effects of many causes on groundwater level changes in every aquifer worldwide. This analysis also reinforces a useful resource for scholars, activists, and public officials looking to improve community awareness, planning, and performance. The verdicts will serve as a valuable guideline for policymakers, the Ministry of Water Resources, and development practitioners, as they highlight the need for appropriate approaches to mitigating toxic elements of water resource contamination in the core Niger Delta in order to protect public health from carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.