Pollution of Surface Water Resources in Nigeria

This work is aimed at examining the pollution of surface water resources in Asaba and its environs. This study was concentrated on the lower Niger River from Illah through Asaba/Onitsha to Okpai (Lat 6o 25' to Lat 5o 40' N and longitude 6o 37' to 6o 47' E). The data collected from water and were analyzed for the heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe, Mn and Co) using urican 929 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed that the seasonal variation in water quality was caused by geologic and anthropogenic activities of man, amongst others. The following conclusions were reached; the study was able to discover that variation exists in the physio-chemical and biological characteristics of the water quality along the course of the rivers. Thus, the variation was caused by geologic and anthropogenic factors which have impaired the quality of water. There is need to ensure that water resources in Nigeria are protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled in ways as meeting the basic needs of the present and future generations. Also, proper addressing of the problems/ challenges faced by water bodies from wastewater channeling, will not only lead to the restoration of aquatic habitats in the State, but will also restore fishing, recreational and other water activities and boast food production thus contributing to the economy. The establishment of the wastewater treatment plants will create jobs for various levels of manpower (skilled and unskilled). As the State seeks active partnership with private investors in order to harness her abundant human and material resources and diversify its economy, wastewater management should be seen as an industry worth investing in as it has the potentials of complementing every sector of the economy. The following recommendations were made; All governments along the banks of the Niger River to develop stringent regulations to control pollution; All governments are to ensure the enforcement of water pollution control laws and regulations; Pollution control measures must be put in place to assess the impact of industries on the environment and should provide for municipal and industrial waste waters and solid waste control programmes; Industrialization must be married or coordinated with environmental protection activities; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must carried out for any new industries and all industries must have adequate means of treating and disposing industrial effluents and solid wastes arising from the industries, amongst others.