Evaluation of Surface Water and Sediment Physico-chemical Properties of Amadi-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1016-5849Keywords:
Water Quality Assessment, Physico-chemical Properties, Ecological Status, Amadi-Ama Creek, Water Pollution AssessmentAbstract
A pollution status assessment of Amadi-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt, was carried out to determine its water and sediment physico-chemical properties due to the vulnerability of Niger Delta freshwater ecosystems to pollution. A quantitative descriptive research design was used to sample areas of likely impact of contamination along the axis of the creek at low tide during the rainy season. In situ measurements of water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH were taken. The grab sampling technique was used to collect water samples, whereas sediment samples were collected with an Ekman Grab. Water and sediment samples were code-labeled, placed in an ice-lined thermos cooler, and used for analysis. Results obtained showed - water temperature (29.1±1.2 - 32.4±0.7 ℃), pH (6.6±1.8 - 9.6±0.7), DO (8.1±1.5 - 10.6±2.2 mg/L), BOD (8.4±1.9 - 21.0±0.5 mg/L), nitrate (0.51±0.09 - 0.88±0.2 mg/L), phosphate (0.013±0.04 - 0.016±0.001 mg/L). Sediment pH (6.2 – 7.5), organic carbon (0.17 - 2.01 %), nitrate-nitrogen (4.72 - 9.20 mg/kg), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (0.03 - 0.26 mg/kg), and phosphate content ranged from 2.70 – 8.73 mg/L. Sediment cations: calcium ion (0.53 – 1.67 mg/kg), magnesium ion (0.61 – 3.22 mg/kg), and potassium ion (0.28 – 2.80 mg/kg). Based on the water BOD, calcium and magnesium ions; sediment phosphate, nitrite and ammonium nitrogen concentration levels, it is recommended that measures should be taken to control anthropogenic release of organic matter and nitrogen-containing wastes to prevent water quality deterioration and protect the resource for continued benefit to humanity.
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