Analysis of pollution status of Amadi Creek and its management

In this research work, the oxygen sag curve and purification capacity of Amadi Creek was studied. The reaeration constant (k₂) was computed from data generated by sampling the DO concentration along the creek from the point of waste discharge downstream while the deoxygenation constant (k₁) was determined by monitoring the BOD of samples obtained along the creek. The reaeration coefficient ranged from 0.09 d⁻¹ to 0.17 d⁻¹. The Streeter–Phelps formula grossly under-estimated k₂. Hence, a new empirical model was derived by multiple regression analysis and was successfully verified with an independent set of data. The study not only identified and quantified the amount of effluent into the creek from various sources but also evaluated its assimilatory capacity which is important information for the prevention of further degradation of the creek water. The critical dissolved oxygen deficit was 3.6 mg/l while the existing dissolved oxygen was also 3.6 mg/l which falls below the 5.0 mg/l stipulated for fish life. The high level of pollution in the creek calls for some critical implementation of the recommended strategies.