Pesca e Produção Pecuária

Abstrato

The Effect of Refuse on Fish, Water and Sediment of River Sokori, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abdulraheem I, Ojelade OC and Adeosun FI

Inflow of excessive quantities of organic matter into natural waters is doubtless the oldest and most widespread form of water pollution. Physical and chemical characteristics of the Sokori River in Nigeria were examined in this study. Sediment samples were collected from four locations (Sokori, Isale-gbehin, Kuto and Ijaye) along the River. Samples collected were analyzed for heavy metal (Zn, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Pb) concentration and physical and chemical parameters of the river were also determined. Data collected were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA test and mean differentiated using least Significant Difference (LSD) at p<0.05. The result shows no significant difference in the physical and chemical parameters at all the locations sampled. However, there were heavy concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cu beyond the acceptable limits and thereby poses threat to the fish and health risk to several rural communities who rely heavily on the river primarily as their source of domestic water. The study therefore concludes that discharge of refuse into water bodies can lead to build up of heavy metals in the water and thus there is need for continuous pollution monitoring and management program of surface water and sediment of this water body and other Rivers especially those close to urban areas and industries.