River Forcados And Bomadi Creek In Delta State, Nigeria: A Study Of Suspended Marine Litter
Bernard B Babatunde
Animal and Environmental Biology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Arinze O Uche
National Coordination Centre, IAEA Technical Cooperation Projects – Nigeria, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Anne D Green
Animal and Environmental Biology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Keywords: Plastics, Nylon, Navigable Channels, Suspended debris, Waste-to-Energy
Abstract
A study of nine coastal communities along the River Forcados and Bomadi Creek (in Delta State, Nigeria) was conducted to: Identify and Geo-reference affected navigable channels in Delta State; qualitatively and quantitatively characterize floating marine debris in affected channels; and create awareness among coastal communities on marine litter dangers. The data for average depth revealed that the water body in Patani and Apelebiri had the highest depth (9m) while Bomadi had the least (5m); average width was highest (850m) at Patani while the least width (233m) was recorded at Olodiama; and the average flow velocity was highest (1.2 m/s) at Patani and Apelebiri and least (0.2 m/s) at Bomadi. The result of the characterization of the suspended debris showed that the debris comprised of “Others” (36%) > Plastic (23%) > Can (16%) > Nylon (14%) > Foil (11%). “Others” was made up of mainly water hyacinth and unidentified objects. Average weight of suspended material ranged from the least value 6,438.5 kg/m2 at Atobo to the highest value of 11,391.2 kg/m2 at Bomadi. Based on 20 tons capacity estimate for dumper trucks, 7-12 dumper trucks would be needed to evacuate the wastes which could be used as manure, recycled or electricity generation. In conclusion, navigable channels in Delta State are faced with the recalcitrant problem of suspended debris clogging their paths resulting in socio-economic problems and harm to aquatic life. It is a clear call for all stakeholders to be cautious of this increasing problem and device means to tackle it.