Physicochemistry of Iko River Channel in Nigeria and the Related Human Health Problems

Background and Objective: Potable water is essential for all lives on earth however, the quality of water available in the oil producing area of Nigeria has been seriously degraded. This work was conducted at Nda Uko, Kampe, Utapete Flow Station, Iko, Emereoke and Jaja Creek along Iko River to establish its pollution status, cancer and non-cancer health risks associated with human exposure to the river. Materials and Methods: During this study, water samples were obtained at Nda Uko, Kampe, Utapete flow Station, Iko, Emereoke and Jaja Creek along Iko River in Eastern Obolo, Nigeria. Collection of samples was done for twelve months and a total of thirty-six composite samples were obtained and used for this study. Some parameters were determined in situ while other parameters were analysed in the laboratory using appropriate equipment. Samples for dissolved oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were obtained using brown BOD bottles while samples for metals analysis were treated with 1 mL of concentration HNO₃ before analysis. Data and multivariate analyses were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 20. Results: The TDS, DO, EC, turbidity, TH, Cl‾, SO₄²‾, NO₂‾, PO₄³‾, Fe, Ni, Pb, Cd and Mn were higher. This was attributed mainly to the anthropogenic factor. Daily intake rates of Cd and Pb obtained were higher than the recommended reference daily doses. The Cd and Pb showed high potential for the non-cancer risks in both the children and adult populations. The total hazard indexes for both populations were higher than one. Cancer risks of Ni, Cd and Cr were very high however, the children were more susceptible. Conclusion: The total cancer risks (TCR) for both populations were higher than the acceptable limit with Ni being the main contributor.