Heavy metals and total hydrocarbons in surface water of Essene Creek, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria

Essene Creek is a tributary of the Imo River in Ikot Abasi. However, unlike other major Creeks in the region there is no scientific study or report exclusively on this water body. Thus, the present study was to determine the heavy metal and total hydrocarbon contents in its surface water. It was conducted for 18 months from March 2021 to August 2022. Five stations were stratified based on activities along the Creek. Surface water samples were obtained monthly at intervals of thirty days using one-litre plastic bottles. Standard Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) as prescribed by American Public Health Association (APHA) was employed in determining the concentration of each heavy metal per location, while total hydrocarbon was analyzed in the laboratory using ASTM D 3921 standard procedure. Mean values obtained were iron (1.68 ± 0.11mg/l), zinc (4.57 ± 0.14 mg/l), lead (0.65 ± 0.06 mg/l), cadmium (0.69 ± 0.04 mg/l), chromium (0.52 ± 0.04mg/l), mercury (0.00 mg/l), nickel (0.42 ± 0.05 mg/l) and total hydrocarbon (0.65 ± 0.06 mg/l). The results show that generally heavy metals have already exceeded their safe limits in the Creek and this should be a cause for concern for stakeholders. It is recommended that a complete hydrobiological survey of the Creek be carried out as soon as possible, especially to establish a benchmark and also ascertain the total health status of the Creek.