Contaminant Variations in Water and Bed Sediment Samples in Oguta Lake, Nigeria

The concentration of heavy metals and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) in the bed sediments and water of Oguta Lake, in Oguta Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State, Nigeria was investigated. The study was aimed at revealing the concentration of TPH and heavy metals in bed sediments and water in the lake, determine how they vary and ascertain the environmental and health concerns in using the lake for recreational, domestic, industrial and transportation purposes. Bed sediments and water samples were collected in situ at three locations, preserved in ice pack and sent to the laboratory within 48 hours for analysis of pH, TPH, Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni and Fe. These were analyzed using AAS and pH meter. Results show that the lake is polluted with Iron and TPH as their concentrations exceeded allowable standard stipulated by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria. It also showed that the levels of Iron and TPH in bed sediments were greater than levels found in water. These call for urgent need for a holistic environmental remediation measures and treatment of lake to remove iron and TPH before using it for agricultural, domestic, industrial, recreational and transportation uses. Field investigation also revealed some anthropogenic sources of TPH in the environment which include use of petrol and diesel engines in speed boats. Thus, public enlightenment on the environmental and health implications of polluting the lake and using the untreated water should be extended to schools, markets and worship places within the environs.