Contribution of Ship Berthing to Surface Water Pollution in Selected Harbours in Rivers State

Uzor; V. I.; Dollah; O. C; Gobo; A. E

doi:10.56201/wjimt.v10.no9.2026.pg136.155

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Contribution of Ship Berthing to Surface Water Pollution in Selected Harbours in Rivers State

Uzor, V. I., Dollah, O. C , Gobo, A. E

Abstract

This research focused on the impact of ship docking operations on the contamination of surface waters in specific ports in Rivers State, Nigeria, utilizing both physicochemical and biological metrics. A descriptive research methodology was used, encompassing repeated sampling conducted over a span of three months. Five primary ports—Okrika, Kidney Island, Macobar, Abonnema, and Onne—were chosen, resulting in the collection of 120 water samples along with ballast water from ten vessels. Established analytical methods (APHA/ISO) were applied, and data were processed through descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and one-sample t-tests at a significance threshold of 0.05. Findings indicated significant degradation in water quality across all ports, with the majority of indicators surpassing permissible limits set by NESREA. The levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (ranging from 36.9 to 48.6 mg/L) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (from 151.6 to 186.4 mg/L) exceeded the established standards (30 mg/L and 125 mg/L respectively), suggesting considerable organic and chemical pollution levels. Additionally, Total Dissolved Solids (from 2,218 to 2,486 mg/L), salinity (from 2,118 to 2,284 mg/L), and oil and grease (ranging from 64.7 to 86.4 mg/L) also surpassed regulatory thresholds, indicative of a significant impact from petroleum-related activities. Nutrient concentrations such as nitrate (from 11.3 to 13.8 mg/L) and phosphate (from 5.61 to 6.84 mg/L) pointed to potential eutrophication issues. Microbial analysis revealed serious contamination, with coliform levels ranging from 1,510 to 2,860 MPN/100 mL, significantly exceeding the NESREA standard of 400 MPN/100 mL. ANOVA results demonstrated significant differences across all parameters in different locations (F-values from 17.345 to 75.206; p < 0.001), validating that pollution levels vary notably among the ports. A depth analysis indicated that pollutant concentrations decreased from the surface (0– 10 cm) to 60 cm and in ballast water, yet all measurements remained above acceptable limits. Importantly, ballast water showed high microbial counts (up to 1,580 MPN/100 mL), emphasizing its role as a key source of pollution. The study concludes that activities related to ship berthing, including ballast water discharge, oil spills, and operational disturbances, are significant contributors to the pollution of surface waters in Rivers State ports. The results highlight the necessity for more rigorous regulatory measures and the implementation of sustainable management practices for harbours.

Keywords

ContributionShipBerthingSurfaceWaterPollution &Harbours

References

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Contribution of Ship Berthing to Surface Water Pollution in Selected Harbours in Rivers State

Abstract

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