Effects of Municipal Waste Discharge and its Re-Suspension on Water Quality in the Great Kwa River Estuary, Cross River State, Nigeria

Effects of Municipal Waste Discharge and Its Re-suspension on Water Quality in the Great Kwa River Estuary, Cross River State, Nigeria investigates the impact of municipal waste discharge and its re-suspension on water quality in the estuary. The research was conducted at two locations, Obufa Esuk, and Idundu, utilizing heavy metal analysis and Pollution Load Index (PLI) calculations during dry and wet seasons. Water samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods for heavy metal detection, including atomic absorption spectroscopy, while the PLI was calculated based on the concentration of pollutants relative to background levels. Results show that copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels at both sites are within World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits. However, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations are significantly high. At Obufa Esuk, cadmium reaches 0.76 mg/L in the dry season and 0.7 mg/L in the wet season, exceeding the WHO limit of 0.003 mg/L. Lead levels are elevated but below the WHO threshold of 0.01 mg/L. At Idundu, cadmium peaks at 0.85 mg/L in the dry season and 0.73 mg/L in the wet season, with lead concentrations also exceeding safe limits. These elevated metal levels are linked to severe pollution from municipal waste discharge and its re-suspension. The PLI values indicate moderate pollution at both sites, with Obufa Esuk showing values of 2.30 and 2.25, and Idundu showing 1.85 and 2.15. This pollution is associated with high turbidity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The study highlights the urgent need for improved waste management practices, recommending upgrades to treatment facilities, stricter regulations, enhanced runoff, and erosion management, regular water quality monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and better stakeholder collaboration to protect water quality and public health in the Great Kwa River estuary.