Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameters of Ship-Borne Bilge, Ballast and Black Wastewaters Obtained From Ships Docked In Warri Port, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of oil and grease content of bilge water on Nigeria’s coastal environment is significant, hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of ship-borne Bilge, Ballast  and Black wastewaters obtained from ships docked in Warri port, Delta State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. Data obtained show that the levels (mean ± SD) of some of the physicochemical parameters in the wastewaters were pH  (6.68  ±  0.28); Cu(1.17 ± 0.2); Fe (2.57 ± 04); Pb (0.5 ± 0.1) and  Zn  ((1.01  ±  0.40). The results of the analysis shows that the extent of marine pollution based on physicochemical parameters of ship generated wastewater from vessels against the DPR standard are significant and that oil and grease content of bilge water, ship ballast water and garbage waste from Warri port significantly impact on Nigeria’s coastal environment. The study therefore recommended appropriate measures of ship disposal and  policy implementation and enforcement for strict compliance.