Geospatial and Environmental Analysis of Heavy Metal Contamination and Water Quality in the Ubeji Axis, Warri River, Nigeria | ||
| Aswan University Journal of Environmental Studies | ||
| Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025, Pages 254-272 PDF (1.35 M) | ||
| Document Type: Original Research | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/aujes.2025.356256.1323 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Success Ogheneruona Uwhuseba* 1; Robert Bemigho Ikomi2 | ||
| 1Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Benin, Edo, Nigeria | ||
| 2Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Delta State University | ||
| Abstract | ||
| The Warri River in Delta State, Nigeria, faces increasing pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban activities. This study assesses water quality and heavy metal contamination using in-situ measurements, laboratory analysis, and geospatial techniques. Water samples were collected from three stations, with parameters like pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) measured on-site. Heavy Metals (Lead, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, and Chromium) and nutrients (Nitrate, Sulfate, and Phosphate) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and spectrophotometric methods. Although some parameters were within regulatory limits, significant pollution was detected. DO levels at all stations, especially Station 2 (4.02 mg/L), were below safe thresholds, indicating organic pollution. Lead and Cadmium levels exceeded permissible limits at Stations 2 and 3, with Cadmium particularly high at Station 2. Notable correlations were found between pH and Cadmium, and EC and Chromium, suggesting interactions between water chemistry and metal solubility. Geospatial analysis revealed that higher Cadmium concentrations coincided with lower TDS, while Lead and Chromium increased proportionally across stations, pointing to industrial discharge and urban runoff as key sources of contamination. The Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI) classified the river as "heavily polluted" with a score of 37.84, and the Water Quality Index (WQI) indicated poor water quality with a score of 717.60. These findings underscore the need for urgent remediation and pollution control to protect both the river ecosystem and local communities. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Warri River; Geospatial Interpolation; Water Quality Index; Heavy Metal Contamination; Industrial and Urban Runoff | ||
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