Spatial Variation in Physico-chemical Characteristics of Sediment from Epie Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the spatial variation in physico-chemical properties of sediment along Epie creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Samples of the sediment were collected in triplicates from 5 different location along Epie creek using sediment grab. The samples were processed and analyzed using standard analytical methodology. Results revealed that the characteristics of the creek ranged from 6.67 – 6.77 (pH), 435.17 – 1189.50 µhmoscm-1 (conductivity), 0.39 – 1.05mg/kg (nitrite), 2.87 – 7.59 mg/kg (nitrate), 1.06 – 3.81 mg/kg (sulphate), 0.09 – 0.42 mg/kg (phosphate), 3.92 – 6.88 mg/kg (calcium), 2.46-4.82 mg/kg (magnesium), 2.18 – 4.82 mg/kg (sodium), 1.59 – 3.34 mg//kg (potassium), 2.64 – 9.20 % (total nitrogen), 8.48-22.54% (total organic carbon), total hydrocarbon level (1.20 – 4.68mg/kg). Analysis of variance indicates that there is significance difference (P<0.05) among the various location for each of the parameters analyzed apart from pH. Spatial variation suggests the influences of anthropogenic activities and wastes (from market and municipal) on the sediment and water quality.