Evaluation of the Ecological Impact of Human Settlement on the Water Quality of Lower Cross River, Nigeria

Abstract

The ecological impact of human settlement on the water quality of Lower Cross River, Nigeria was evaluated. The physical and chemical conditions of the river water were determined from January to August, 2011. Three stations comprising Itu in Akwa Ibom State with intense human activities (station 2), its upstream (without human settlement) at Cross River State (station 1) and the downstream (station 3) were sampled. The Parametric One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that of the 17 physical and chemical parameters determined, only water level and COD were found to be significantly different ( < 0.01) among stations. The spatial variations in the level of significant correlation of the physical and chemical parameters among the stations and the higher level of interrelationship in downstream station 2 and 3 than station 1 could be attributed to inputs resulting from human settlement. Comparison between some parameters with Standard Organization of Nigeria, and World Health Organization maximum permitted levels for drinking water indicated that the water was not polluted. However, the BOD and COD concentrations of greater than 2 mg/L and 20 mg/L respectively were indicative of pollution.

Spatial and temporal variations of physical-chemical parameters of the Akor River in Ikwuano local government of Abia state, Nigeria

“…However, the result is not in line with Oribhabor et al (2013) that reported that DO level was lower than in the rainy season in the Lower Cross River, Nigeria. The higher DO values recorded in the Akor River between March and June may be attributed to early rainfall that has led to the increase in water volume, turbulence and increased dissolution of oxygen at air-water interface.…”

The significance of community-based management in the structure and sustainability of the fisheries in Cross River Estuary, Nigeria

“…Humans have become an integral element of the ecology of the Cross River estuary due to its frequent closeness to population centers, biological diversity, high fisheries productivity, and recreational value (Oribhabor et al 2013). Indiscriminate mangrove harvesting, garbage disposal, multi-faceted pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices are all human-caused factors degrading the estuary's ecosystem.…”