Distribution and Levels of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Surface Water of Imo River, Nigeria: A Non-Targeted Analysis.
By Humphrey–Ebenezer Jane N, Nwakanma , C., Nzegbule, E. C.This is an assessment of the distribution and
levels of contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) in the surface water of Imo
River, Nigeria using the non-target approach. Three (3) locations - Ekenobizi (Imo State), Owerrinta (Abia State)
and Oyigbo (Rivers State) along the
river were sampled based on high human density with much anthropogenic
activities. Surface water samples were collected from upstream, midstream and
downstream of each of the locations using the grab sampling method and taken to
the laboratory for analysis within three hours after sampling. A non- targeted
screening was done using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after
preparation of the samples. The results showed contamination of the river with
eighty – five (85) unique CECs distributed as follows; 21 CECs at Ekenobizi
axis, 27 CECs at Owerrinta axis and 40 CECs at Oyigbo axis. Some of the CECs
were location specific while some were detected across the three sampling
points and locations. Among the detected compounds were siloxanes, fatty acids,
amines, alkanes/alkenes, fluorinated organic compounds, Nitrogenous based
compounds and other organic chemicals. These chemicals are traceable to
pharmaceutical and personal care products, agro-chemicals, and other industrial
chemicals and they exhibit varying degrees of ecological risks.