Longitudinal profiles of total hydrocarbon, oil and grease and trace metal concentrations in surface waters of Qua Iboe River (South Eastern Nigeria) in relation to urbanisatio

The total hydrocarbon content (THC), oil and grease and trace metal concentrations in surface waters of Qua Iboe River in South-eastern Nigeria were studied for three years in relation to increasing oil activity and urbanization in the drainage basin. Levels of THC varied significantly (P -1 ) than at undisturbed sites (0.19 + 0.03 mg.l -1 ). THC associated with particulate matter dominated the total hydrocarbon pool more than that associated with the filtrate with significant difference (P -1 ) and at stations close to urban areas than non-urban areas and varied significantly (P Key words : Longitudinal variation, total hydrocarbon, trace metals, urbanization. Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.19(1) 2004: 41-47