Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metal Contamination of Surface Water of Mgbuodahia River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn) concentrations in surface water of Mgbuodahia River, Niger Delta, Nigeria, for six months (May October 2025) across four stations (ST1–ST4). Physicochemical parameters were measured in situ, heavy metals were quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and data were evaluated using a General Linear Model ANOVA with Tukey’s pairwise comparison. Dissolved oxygen was low (0.62±0.12 mg/L) and biochemical oxygen demand elevated (8.41±4.20 mg/L), indicating organic pollution. Lead (0.33±0.10 mg/L) and cadmium (0.10±0.06 mg/L) exceeded WHO permissible limits (0.01 and 0.003 mg/L respectively) at every station and month. ANOVA showed significant monthly variation for pH, conductivity, temperature and most heavy metals, while chromium showed no significant station or month effect, suggesting a diffuse rather than point-source origin. Nickel showed a pronounced June peak roughly double every other month's mean, indicating an episodic input event. These concentrations are higher than values reported for several other Niger Delta water bodies, indicating that Mgbuodahia River is affected by lead and cadmium inputs. The study concludes that Mgbuodahia River is impacted by organic and heavy metal pollution and recommends continuous monitoring and regulation of discharge into the river.