THE POLLUTION STATUS OF SIX LOTIC WATER BODIES IN DELTA STATE USING PALMER’S POLLUTION INDEX

Abstract

Palmer’s pollution index (PPI) was used to investigate the pollution status of six essential rivers in Delta State. These rivers were selected based on the human activities in the study localities. The locations include Anwai, Atakpo, Ovu, Ugbolu, Niger and Ugbuwangwe rivers. The study identified four algal taxa, namely Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophya and Euglenophya, with diverse species’ composition and abundance. Application of the Palmer’s pollution index on the algal structures revealed that the water bodies were organically polluted except Ovu. The Pollution index ranged from organic PPI score of 15- 20 to high organic pollution score of >20. River Niger had the highest PPI score (25), followed by Ugbuwangwe (23), Atakpo (22), Ugbolu(20), Anwai (16) and lastly Ovu (6). The present investigation reveals the deplorable state of our water bodies. The presence of high organic pollution-algae such as Microcystis and Euglena sp is of serious health concern and requires government intervention