Seasonal hydrocarbon and metal assessment of water and fish from oil producing communities along Orashi River, Nigeria

This study investigated the heavy metal and hydrocarbon pollution status of Orashi River in four communities of Imo and Anambra States of Nigeria. Water and fish ( Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus ) samples were collected from the river in the dry and wet seasons. Hydrocarbon and physicochemical parameters were determined in water with standard methods. Water and fish muscles were digested and analysed for metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results of analyses indicated hydrocarbon pollution. Hardness, alkalinity, nitrate, chloride, phosphate, and sulphate were significantly higher ( p