Papers by Hycienth Nwankwoala
Journal of Environmental Protection
As a result of economic development and rapid growth of the population in Southern Ijaw Local Gov... more As a result of economic development and rapid growth of the population in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, there have been clear changes in the use of land, resulting in increased demand for water for various uses including agricultural activities. This study examined groundwater quality and classification of hydrochemical facies of communities in the study area. Fifteen (15) communities within the LGA were selected and groundwater from hand-dug well (HDW-15 samples) and borehole (BH-15 samples) was sourced during the wet season (July) and dry season (March) and analyzed for seasonal variation, irrigation purposes and hydrochemical facies classification using a standard method. Based on Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) classification scheme, all groundwater sources in the area are excellent for irrigation purposes because they all have SAR values <3. This implies that SAR values of <3 will not threaten vegetation. The value of sodium percentage (Na%) ranges from 29.81% to 66.13% and 23.30% to 71.89% for hand dug wells in both wet and dry seasons. Similarly, the value of Na% ranged from 3.57% to 16.32% and 3.38% to 19.60% for borehole water in both wet and dry seasons. The groundwater hydrochemistry facies analysis indicated that there was an adjustment in groundwater chemistry during dry season while HDW and BH are linked to different sources. Groundwater in the communities are contaminated for both sources and season; however, showed potential for irrigational purpose. There is a need for continuous monitoring of the water quality, improvement in environmental and sanitation practices while treatment of water is strongly advised.
Mining and its Implications on the Rural Peoples' Livelihood and Environment in Etche, South-South Nigeria using Multivariate and Geospatial Analyses
P-311 Asymmetric Epoxidation with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide : Construction of New Di-μ-oxo Titanium Complexes as Catalyst
Determination of Water Quality Index of Shallow Quaternary Aquifer Systems in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
This study evaluates the groundwater quality status of shallow groundwater in Ogbia, using water ... more This study evaluates the groundwater quality status of shallow groundwater in Ogbia, using water quality index (WQI) with a view to ascertain its suitability for domestic and industrial purposes. Groundwater samples were collected from thirty (30) functional boreholes within fifteen (I5) communities of the study area. These water samples were subjected to a comprehensive Physico-Chemical Analysis using standard methods. The water quality index (WQI) of the area was calculated using weighted arithmetic mean and statistical package for social science (SPSS) version I5, software. Seventeen (I7) chemical parameters were considered for the WQI calculation. The results revealed that I0% of the water samples were in the excellent category, 46.6% were in the good water category while 43.3% of the water samples were in the poor water category. The high value of the water quality index (WQI) has been found to be mainly from the higher values of Iron, phosphate, pH and electrical conductivity....
In this study, two distinctive pollutants were identified and mapped around the dumpsites in Enek... more In this study, two distinctive pollutants were identified and mapped around the dumpsites in Eneka Town, Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. These are zones of anomalously high resistivity, probably gases containing methane (CH4) since they rarely dissociate in water and may have come from the biodegradation of organic wastes or petroleum wastes and leachate plumes of low resistivity containing organic substances and dissolved solids. The study areas were delineated in both the 2-D and vertical electrical sounding sections respectively as anomalously high resistive zones. These were identified and mapped in the inverse model sections as reddish to purple zones of high resistivity between 618Ωm to 1713 Ωm between the depths 1.25m to 17.3m in the entire sections. The pollutants were continuous and displaced to various degrees on each of the inverse models. The concentration levels decrease as they were displaced eastward of the dumpsite. This is confirmed by the increase in the resistivity of these compounds; 1713 Ωm in profile line1 to 1915 Ωm in profile line 3. This may be probably due to dilution effect of the gases in other fluids as it moves away from the dumpsite. A contaminant leachate plume was delineated in both the 2-D resistivity imaging and the vertical electrical sounding sections as low resistivity zones. These were identified and mapped as low resistivity between 1.25m and 17.3m in the entire inverse model sections. The least resistivity zone occurred along profile line 1, while the highest occurred in profile line 3. This suggests that the concentration levels of ions in the leachate decreases away from the waste dumpsites.
GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, Apr 30, 2022
This study appraises the levels of Heavy metals and health implications in Khana and Gokana LGAs ... more This study appraises the levels of Heavy metals and health implications in Khana and Gokana LGAs of Rivers State, Nigeria. A random sampling approach was employed for groundwater sampling and samples were collected from a total of twenty-two (22) boreholes in the area. A total of ten (10) residential boreholes were sampled in Khana LGA and twelve (12) in Gokana LGA. Iron (Fe) in Khana area showed concentration exceeding WHO and NSDWQ regulatory limits of 0.3mg/l in BH2, BH4, BH5, BH7, BH8, BH9 and BH10 while in Gokana area, BH11, BH12, BH14, BH17, BH19 and BH20 had Fe concentration exceeding the regulatory requirements. The result shows that Fe concentration in groundwater in the study area is significantly high to render the groundwater unsuitable for oral ingestion. Manganese concentration in samples from Khana showed concentrations above WHO standard in BH3, BH6 and BH9 while only BH16 exceeded the regulatory limit in Gokana area and then all other samples concentrations were within WHO regulatory limit for potable drinking water. Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) concentration showed levels below permissible limits in all samples analyzed. The results of hazard index from oral ingestion of water from boreholes in the area ranged from 0.30 to 1.13, with an average of 0.69. Based on USEPA classification, apart from BH9 and BH16 where harmful effect from groundwater consumption is recognized, there is no non-carcinogenic harmful effect that may arise from oral ingestion of most of the groundwater sources in the area. The spatial map revealed that the southern central area is a hot spot that needs urgent attention. The results of hazard index from dermal contact with groundwater in the area ranged from 0.02 to 0.36, with an average of 0.18. Carcinogenic health risk from oral ingestion of groundwater in the area ranged from 1.07 to 16.69, with an average of 8.69. Similarly, cancer risk from dermal contact with groundwater in the area ranged from 0.02 to 0.25 with an average of 0.13. Based on USEPA guidelines as revealed in this study, oral ingestion or dermal contact with groundwater from any borehole cited in Gokana and Khana areas are associated with possible cancer risk. The results and of this study will serve as a baseline data in the investigation of the suitability of groundwater in oil producing areas of Khana and Gokana LGAs of Rivers State for human consumption. Thus, the study has revealed the need of an urgent remediation of oil impacted areas in the study area to mitigate further impact on human health.
Aquatic Botany, 1997
Non-point source pollution has a significant impact on the quality of water resources. Studies ha... more Non-point source pollution has a significant impact on the quality of water resources. Studies have revealed that agricultural activities are often major contributors to non-point source pollution of aquatic environments. A common means of reducing the threat of non-point source pollution is through the establishment of riparian vegetation strips (or buffers) along those areas of stream channels that would be most susceptible to the threat. Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) offer a means by which 'critical' areas can be identified, so that subsequent action toward the establishment of riparian zones can be taken. This research focuses on the development and analysis of riparian buffer zones for a portion of the Iowa River basin. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data were used to characterize the land cover for the study area. An updated hydrology data layer was developed by integrating the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Digital Line Graph (DLG) data base with the TM-derived classification of surface water bodies. Spatial distance search tools were applied to develop the buffer zones around all surface hydrologic features. The buffer zones were integrated with the remotely sensed classification data to identify 'critical' areas for the establishment of riparian vegetation strips. Results indicated that while most of the main channel of the Iowa River was protected by natural vegetation, more than 44% (or 1008 ha) of the area along its tributaries lack any protective cover from non-point source pollution. As these 'critical' areas are adjacent to agricultural fields it is important that water resources management strategies focus on the establishment of
Geo-technical Investigation and Characterization of Sub-soils in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Central Niger Delta, Nigeria
Civil and environmental research, 2014
This study aims at establishing the sub-soil types and profile to ascertain the geotechnical char... more This study aims at establishing the sub-soil types and profile to ascertain the geotechnical characteristics of the underlying soils in parts of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria and recommend appropriate foundation design and construction of projects in the area. Four boreholes were drilled using hand auger and representative disturbed samples were taken at regular intervals of 1.0m depth, and also when a change in soil type was observed. Standard laboratory procedures were used in the analysis of the samples. Water levels recorded in the site BH-1 (1.50m), BH-2 (1.50m), BH-3 (4.00m) and BH-4 (1.00m), respectively. Geotechnical result reveal that the area is underlain predominantly by medium to firm silty clay (although) in BH-1, silty sand and medium to fine silty clay in BH-2 and medium to firm silty clay at the top, silty sand (middle) and fine to medium sand at the bottom of BH-3 and BH-4, respectively. Water level (WL) recorded in the site for BH-1 (1.50m), BH-2 (1.50m), BH-3 (4...
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2010
Some physicochemical parameters related to groundwater quality obtained from Yola Area of Northea... more Some physicochemical parameters related to groundwater quality obtained from Yola Area of Northeastern Nigeria was investigated for the purpose of drinking and irrigation. An attempt was also made to develop linear regression equations to predict the concentration of water quality having significant correlation coefficients with electrical conductivity (EC). The TDS and EC has perfect correlation coefficients whereas Na + and Cl -, are highly correlated in all the water sources. Furthermore while Ca 2+ and HCO3 -are highly correlated in both the shallow and deep groundwater they have relatively lower correlation coefficients in the surface water samples. It was equally observed that Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , NO3 -, Cl -and Fe are highly correlated with EC in surface water samples. The data also indicated that apart from surface water bodies Ca 2+ , NO3 -, Cl -and HCO3 -are poorly related with electrical conductivity at 5% level of significance. These data has shown that linear regression equations can be applied in predicting groundwater quality in any location @ JASEM
Geo-electrical Evaluation of the Effects of Waste Dump Sites on Groundwater in Eneka, Rivers State, Nigeria
International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 2015
This study aims at investigating the effects of waste dumps on the groundwater in Eneka using res... more This study aims at investigating the effects of waste dumps on the groundwater in Eneka using resistivity method. Two dump sites and a dump-free site were investigated in the area. The investigation involved seven horizontal resistivity profiling and four vertical electrical soundings. The result of the investigation revealed that the surrounding soil and water in the waste dumpsites have been contaminated to depths below 20 meters which is within the aquifer system of the area. This was evident in the attendant low resistivity values of 0.04 ohm.m 60.07 ohm.m around the dumpsites relative to the high resistivity values greater than 500 ohm.m in the dump free areas. The results of the investigation are serious considering the negative implications on public health and the ecosystem of the area if not checked, monitored and managed.
Investigation of hydrocarbon contaminant levels and groundwater quality assessment in parts of bonny island, rivers state of Nigeria
This study investigates the environmental impact of a recent oil spill incident in the Bonny term... more This study investigates the environmental impact of a recent oil spill incident in the Bonny terminal using groundwater media. The objective was to establish the presence of Contaminants of Concern (COC), determine, quantify and model spilled volumeIEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging, and Manufacturing Technology and ascertain potential health risks associated with the spill incident. The COC included Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), and BTEX compounds. Groundwater was sampled in the vicinity of the spill incidents and further away into the surrounding communities. Groundwater assessment showed that TPH ranges from 9.04 to 20,600 µg/L with a mean value of 2526.90 ± 6392.40 µg/L. Apart from four boreholes, all others had TPH values exceeding the DPR target value of 50 µg/L. PAH was recorded only at three boreholes, with values: 0.13, 1.07, and 0.25 µg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, BTEX compounds had concentration (5910 µg/L) that exceeded the ...
This study aims at the assessment of the impacts of artisanal refining of crude on soil and water... more This study aims at the assessment of the impacts of artisanal refining of crude on soil and water quality in parts of Okrika and Ogu-Bolo areas of Rivers State, Nigeria. Standard sampling methods were used in the study. A total number of sixteen (16) sampling points were selected using random sampling techniques for the water points and soil samples within Ogu-Bolo and Okrika. Water and soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory using standard methods. The ArcGIS version 10.3, ENVI version 4.7, Surfer 10, SPSS 22 and Microsoft Enterprise were used for the interpretation. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was created from the elevation data obtained from Short Radar Thematic Mapper (SRTM) satellite image and contour extracted from the topographic map. The influence of the soil type, slope, flow accumulation and flow direction of the study area was used to delineate the level of contaminant plume. This was generated from the DEM using the ArcGIS 10.3 3-D analyst tool function. A wat...
Ecosystem destruction and disaster risk incubation- A case of wetland loss and flood disasters in Makurdi town of Nigeria
Disaster risk is incubated through series of events that shape and reshape hazards and vulnerabil... more Disaster risk is incubated through series of events that shape and reshape hazards and vulnerability. The gradual destruction of a diversity of ecosystems leading to the depletion of ecosystem services is an incubation period for many disasters as the case of Makurdi wetlands and flood disasters. Makurdi wetlands have been destroyed with only a few remaining according to a recent thirty-year study. This suggests the loss of very important ecosystem services that they provide including defense against surging flood waters. In the corresponding period, increased flood disaster incidences have been reported in Makurdi with a corresponding increase in size and intensity of devastating impact on the populations. Surprisingly surveys carried out in Makurdi on the causes of flood demonstrate a very limited knowledge on the significance of wetlands in the management of flood disasters. The ability of ecosystems to continue to provide ecosystem services require deliberate management action t...
Big Data In Water Resources Engineering (BDWRE)
Many researchers used gauge data from weather stations for rainfall estimate across Africa. Since... more Many researchers used gauge data from weather stations for rainfall estimate across Africa. Since Africa lies within the tropics, there is possibility for variations in rain received from place to place. Therefore, there is need for excessive density of the gauges for accurate estimate of Africa’s rainfall. Due to numerous challenges, these cannot be achieved. This necessitates the application of remote sensing and GIS to detect changes in rainfall amount in Africa between 1999 and 2018. The data used was obtained from remote sensing satellite (TRMM) and analyzed using GIS application (IDRISI Taiga). The Simple Image Differencing was performed on the two annual mean images covering January to December, 1999 and January to December, 2018. This provides reliable information on rainfall estimate that can complement sparsely and unevenly distributed rain gauge network in Africa. The analysis shows that latitudinal locations, to some extent, determine spatial distribution of rainfall in ...
Journal of Geology & Geophysics, 2016
Journal of Applied Sciences and …, 2010
The subsoil characterization and hydrogeological investigation of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ... more The subsoil characterization and hydrogeological investigation of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Calabar Southeastern Nigeria was undertaken using geotechnical analysis of soils and water level monitoring. Geotechnical analysis of soils in the EPZ show that the grain size range from poorly graded (well sorted) to well graded (poorly sorted) soils with very little or no fines (0.1-5.30% passing 0.075mm sieve). Permeability values vary from 6.80 x10-3 cm/s to 9.43 x10-3 cm/s for the sandy clay to gravelly clay, to 7.00 x10-1 cm/s to 8.70 x10-1 cm/s for the coarse sand to gravelly sand. Soil consistency shows a plasticity range (7.00-13.00%) for the clayey soils with the predominantly sandy soil being non-plastic. The local groundwater migration in the area is towards the north easterly direction, meaning that the local flow pattern discharges towards area which has the lowest groundwater elevation. Following this, the implication is that subsurface water migration in the area will move towards and intersect the Calabar River flowing mostly in a southerly direction. This, by implication, will decrease the concentration of probable contaminants due to dispersion and other attenuation effects. Therefore, regular assessment of the subsoil characteristics and hydrogeology of the area will provide baseline data for planning in order to reduce the associated/attendant negative environmental hazards of export processing activities. @JASEM
Global Journal of Earth Science and Engineering, 2016
Water is a primary source of life and is required in sufficient quantity and acceptable quality t... more Water is a primary source of life and is required in sufficient quantity and acceptable quality to sustain all human activities such as domestic, agricultural and industrial needs. This requirement however, is hardly fulfilled due to various natural and anthropogenic activities. Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are useful in hydrological research and applications. Remote sensing observations enable improved characterization of the land surface which are relevant in hydrological studies. Remote sensing with its merits of providing spatially extensive, multi-temporal and cost effective data, has become a very handy tool in identifying hydrogeological processes. These studies have revealed the application of integrated remote sensing and GIS technologies in groundwater exploration and exploitation. Integrated remote sensing and GIS are widely used in groundwater mapping. Locating potential groundwater targets is becoming more convenient, cost effective than invasive methods and efficient with the advent of a number of satellite imagery. The nature of remote sensing-based groundwater exploration is to delineate all possible features connected with localization of groundwater. Data, driven out of remote sensing, support decisions related to sustainable development and groundwater management. Integration of remotely sensed data, GPS, and GIS technologies provides a valuable tool for monitoring and assessing water pollution. Remotely sensed data can be used to create a permanent geographically located database to provide a baseline for future comparisons hydrological studies. The integrated use of remotely sensed data, GPS, and GIS will enable consultants and natural resource managers to develop management plans for a variety of natural resource management applications.
Earth Science Malaysia
Urban development in wetland ecosystems for human settlement, transport networks, exploration /ex... more Urban development in wetland ecosystems for human settlement, transport networks, exploration /exploitation of natural resources, agriculture and industrial development is one of the biggest menace to wetland change and management. To estimate future urban expansion is very crucial for urban planners and environmental managers in fastest growing cities. This study aims to examine the saltwater/freshwater ecosystem and urban land use change in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Sources of data for this study were acquired from a time series of landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) with Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) images were used to derive land use and land cover maps of the Port-Harcourt metropolis. This study revealed that both freshwater wetland and saltwater wetlands ecosystem occupied 46.99% (18837.1 Ha) of the total classes. This may be the result of wetland being in an undisturbed nature without any conversion or alteration for use. The urban land use change of Port-Harcourt metropolis had changed dramatically during the period of 29 years. The two wetlands (saltwater and freshwater wetland) sum up to a total of 40% (16497.5 Ha) which indicates that there is pressure on wetland use such as plant products harvested from fuel wood, human settlement, urban agriculture, sand dredging, sanitation, water pollution and industrial activities from oil companies within the metropolis. Efforts should be made to increase knowledge, sensitization, consultation, stakeholder's participation and awareness on the wetlands values and wise use economy through dissemination of information, using appropriate techniques and training of adequate staff as well as the need for sound wetland policies, laws and legislation for sustainable use, management and control in conservation of wetland.
Analytical Studies on Heavy Metal Contamination of Imo River
In river systems, surface water has been widely used as environmental indicators and their chemic... more In river systems, surface water has been widely used as environmental indicators and their chemical analysis can provide significant information on the assessment of anthropogenic activities. The paper evaluates the pollution status of the Imo River with reference to heavy metal enrichment. The mean concentration of the ten metals used in this study was slightly higher than the recommended maximum permissible limit by the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality except zinc. The results of the metal pollution index revealed that the river is slightly to moderately polluted with metals. The application of factor analysis on the data-set identified three factors which imply that these metals enter the river through three possible sources. Factor one comprises of pH, nickel, lead, iron and cadmium and accounts for 34.46% of the total variance. Factor two has a moderate loading of 25.89% of the total variance with arsenic, mercury, chromium and manganese as contributors. Factor thre...
Investigation of hydrocarbon contaminant levels and groundwater quality assessment in parts of Bonny Island, Rivers State of Nigeria
CAS Press, Feb 1, 2020
This study investigates the environmental impact of a recent oil spill incident in Bonny terminal... more This study investigates the environmental impact of a recent oil spill incident in Bonny terminal using groundwater media. The objective was to establish the presence of Contaminants of Concern (COC), determine, quantify and model spilled volume IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology and ascertain potential health risk associated with the spill incident. The COC included Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) and BTEX compounds. Groundwater was sampled in the vicinity of the spill incidents and further away into the surrounding communities. Groundwater assessment showed that TPH ranges from 9.04 to 20.60 μg/L with a mean value of 2526.90 ± 6392.40 μg/L. Apart from four boreholes, all others had TPH values exceeding DPR target value of 50μg/L. PAH was recorded only at three boreholes, with values: 0.13, 1.07, and 0.25μg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, BTEX compounds had concentration (5910 μg/L) that exceeded Directorate of Pe...
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Papers by Hycienth Nwankwoala