Authors: Asimiea, O. A., Sam-Wobo, S. O
Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences (JETEAS) 2 (5): 729-733
Abstract
The Physico-Chemical characteristics of surface water were determined for 15 locations in and around the Brass Oil terminal (Brass Island, Niger Delta Nigeria). Also Phytoplankton and Periphyton
communities were assessed to determine the impact of oily wastes discharged from the terminal. Surface water pH values ranged from 7.2 – 7.7, Turbidity ranged between 0.40 – 3.20 NTU. While salinity was between 10.0 to 12.0ppm. TDS range was between 820 to 1070 mg/l and conductivity values ranged from 1630.0 to 2060 mg/l. Sulfate values ranged from 12.81 to 15.58 mg/l, Nitrate values varied from 0.30 – 1.39mg/l and Phosphate concentrations ranged from 0.05 – 0.91mg/l. Dissolved oxygen levels range from 0.2 to 3.9 mg/l and BOD5 ranged from 8.0 to 43.0mg/l. THC concentration averaged 10.71mg/l while TPH concentrations ranged from 2.0 to 13.0mg/l. Physico-Chemical characteristics of surface water suggest that the water in the area was polluted.The phytoplankton community recorded 86 species. Bacillariophyceae contributed 33% of phytoplankton community, followed by Cyanophyceae (32%), chlorophyceae 21%, Euglenophyceae 12%. The community structure pattern demonstrated disproportionate occurrence of Cyanophyceae in Stations 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 where THC and TPH concentrations were between high (9.39ppm and 15.58ppm and 6.37ppm and 12.85ppm respectively). Periphyton community structure exhibited similar trend. The dominance of Cyanophyceae (blue green algae) at these stations against the other stations indicates abnormality, which in this study was attributed to the presence of hydrocarbon in the environment. The aim of this study is to elucidate the importance of Phytoplankton and Periphyton as hydrocarbon pollution indicators and it will also provide information necessary for the determination of the quality and evaluation of the aquatic environments.