Rainwater Chemistry Within the Vicinity of Qua Iboe Estuary, Nigeria

• Published in: Clean : soil, air, water air, water, 2018-03, Vol.46 (3), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Akpan, Anyanime O., Udosen, Essien D., Offiong, Nnanake‐Abasi O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: air pollution; Analytical methods; Anions; Aquatic ecosystems; Atmospheric particulates; Cadmium; Chromium; Contamination; Copper; Dust storms; Ecosystems; Estuaries; Estuarine dynamics; Estuarine environments; Fossil fuels; Fuel combustion; Industrial areas; Iron; Lead; Manganese; Mathematical analysis; Nickel; Parameters; physicochemical characteristics; Physicochemical processes; Pollution; Population number; Principal components analysis; Rain; Rain water; rainwater chemistry; Rivers; Salts; Soil; Soil analysis; Soil contamination; source apportionment; Statistical analysis; Statistical methods; Trace metals; Zinc
• ISSN: 1863-0650; 1863-0669
• DOI: 10.1002/clen.201700114

The Qua Iboe River estuary is one of the most studied ecosystems in the Niger Delta of Nigeria given its proximity to intense industrial activities. There have been concerns regarding possible environmental contamination, which has led to several monitoring studies. In this study, some trace metals (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cd) in rainwater samples collected around the estuary were investigated using standard analytical methods. Rainwater samples were also analysed for physicochemical characteristics. The results obtained revealed varied levels of trace metals and physicochemical parameters across dry and wet seasons. The average abundance of trace metals in rainwater samples from the study locations is in the order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd > Pb. In addition, predominant anions in rainwater samples are in the order CO32−>Cl−>NO3−>SO42−>S2–>CN–. Results from statistical analyses reveal the relationships across parameters as well as the discrimination of monitored sites based on the intensity of industrial activities. Principal component analysis reveals that soil dust, sea salt, and fossil fuel combustion are major factors affecting the rainwater chemistry of the study area. The significant amounts of trace metals and the physicochemical parameters quantified in the rainwater samples indicate some level of contamination. However, these levels do not indicate serious pollution problems at present. Rainwater samples from the vicinity of an oil exploration zone in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, are analyzed. Variations in the distribution of trace metals and other physicochemical parameters suggest influence by industrial activities, seasons, and different sources such as soil dusts, sea salts, biomass burning, flared gases, and vehicle exhaust fumes.