Human Induced Variations of Selected Physicochemical Parameters of Taylor Creek in the Niger Delta, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The physicochemistry of Taylor creek, Biseni, Bayelsa State was investigated in order to gauge the impact of human activities along the creek catchments on the creek integrity. Physicochemical parameters were investigated for one year, from November 2009 to October 2010. The creek was divided into six sampling zones located at Iturama, Tien and Kalama all in Biseni clan. Sampling was done monthly taking water samples. The physicochemical parameters investigated are pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, temperature, Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), turbidity, Hardness, sulphate (SO4), phosphate (PO4), and Nitrate (NO3). Physico-chemical samples were collected using standard procedures and samples analyzed using standard techniques. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Microsoft Excel Descriptive Statistical Tool. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed at 95% confidence limit to test for the variability of parameters between seasons and stations. Result from the investigation reveals that there was a significant seasonal difference (p<0.05) in physicochemical parameters of hardness, alkalinity, temperature, turbidity, pH, BOD5, EC and NO3 while there was no significant seasonal difference (p>0.05) in measured variables of salinity, DO, PO4 and SO4. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) across stations in all physicochemical variables except turbidity and pH which showed significant difference (p<0.05) from station to station. Also, pH, turbidity, temperature, BOD5 and nitrate were generally higher downstream than upstream stations (Iturama stations > Kalama stations), while DO, hardness, alkalinity and EC were higher upstream than downstream of the creek (Kalama >Iturama). The mean EC, nitrate, BOD5, DO, hardness and alkalinity levels in the creek were higher in the wet season than in the dry season, while temperature, turbidity and pH Levels were lower in the wet season than the dry season. The mean salinity, PO4 and SO4 levels were the same for both wet and dry seasons. All physicochemical parameters were either within or below ranges of international permissible levels in water. This implies a satisfactory physicochemical regime during the study period, suggesting the creek still has a positive integrity to support aquatic life.