Spatiotemporal Variability Assessment of Rainwater Quality in Oil and Gas Exploration Region of Nigeria

In developing countries where the prevailing water supply systems are inadequate to meet the demands of their citizens, rainwater harvesting (RWH) has become an alternative source of water resources. Anthropogenic activities have led to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, which has an endangering impact on the quality of rainwater and also poses great risks to people who depend on this source of water supply. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the physicochemical, bacteriological, and heavy metal parameters of direct harvested rainwater from six locations in Mkpat Enin, Ibeno, and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State between March to October, 2021. Eighteen (18) water quality parameters were considered and analysed in the laboratory in accordance with the WHO guidelines for drinking water quality. Results from the laboratory analysis show seasonal and spatial variation in the water quality parameters of the rainwater samples obtained within the six localities. The laboratory results were also compared with the permissible water quality parameters as recommended by WHO. The comparative analysis indicated that the concentration of pollutants in rainwater was not within the allowable limit except for Sulphate and Zinc. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2021-02-04-04 Full Text: PDF