Abstract

Surface water quality in Niger Delta has been impaired over the years as a result of oil exploration and exploitation carried out in the region. This study investigates the anthropogenic influence on the water quality of Odeama creek. Water samples were collected during the wet and dry season from 20 sampling points and four control points and analyzed following standard methods and procedures. No statistical difference (p> 0.005) at 95% confidence interval was observed between sampling points except for nitrate values in the dry season. Some of the results observed in this study are: pH range of 7.1 - 8.0 and 7.12 - 8.3; dissolved oxygen, 4.8 - 5.4 and 2.12 - 3.69 mg/L; chemical oxygen demand, 4.8 - 5.4L and 2.12 - 3.69 mg/L; polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, 0.01 - 0.17 and 0.05 - 1.06 mg/L for wet and dry season, respectively. Values observed from dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals except copper indicated human influence on the water quality that may be due to domestic and industrial waste, illegal bunkering activities, and corrosion of abandoned vessels in the water-way. Regular monitoring of the physicochemical parameters and standard measures should be put in place to evaluate and control anthropogenic influence on the water quality.

Key words: Oil exploration, anthropogenic activities, Odeama, water quality.