Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics of Waters in Santa Barbara River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Effluents received by surface water increase the concentration of heavy metals and nutrients in the water to a level that is harmful to the aquatic organism and pose a health risk to humans. Santa Barbara River is known for its rich biodiversity; and is a fishing site in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. This study examines the physicochemical characteristics of waters in the Santa Barbara River to ascertain anthropogenic influence on the water quality. In two seasons (wet and dry), surface water samples were collected from 20 sampling stations along the Santa Barbara River and from 4 control points and analyzed according to standard methods and procedures. Total suspended solids, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and sodium were the only parameters that showed a statistical difference between values obtained in the control and study area (p > 0.05) at 95% confidence interval. The results of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, lead, chromium and sulphate observed indicated anthropogenic influence on the water quality that may be due to the use of lead in fishing net, combustion of fossil fuel, and waste discharge into the River. Impact mitigation measures are therefore recommended to improve the water quality of the River.