on the Physico-Chemical Characteristics
of the Biophysical Environment in Delta State,
South-South Nigeria
FEATURED PAPER
By Andrew C. Iwebelua, Stephen C. Ani, Henry C. Ajaelu
Enugu State University of Science and Technology ESUT
Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria
Abstract
The dualization of the East-West Road in Delta State, Nigeria, has led to significant alterations in the physicochemical characteristics of the biophysical environment. This study assesses the impact on soil, water, and air quality along the road corridor, focusing on contamination levels and environmental degradation. A combination of field sampling, laboratory analysis, and statistical modeling was employed to determine pollutant concentrations, including heavy metals, in the affected areas. The results revealed elevated levels of lead, cadmium, and other toxic substances, surpassing recommended safety limits. The paper discusses the environmental implications of these findings and provides recommendations for mitigating the negative impacts of road development.
Keywords: Physicochemical analysis, Heavy metals, Soil contamination, Road construction, Delta State
1 Introduction
The construction and dualization of roads, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas, often result in environmental degradation, including soil, water, and air contamination. In Delta State, Nigeria, the East-West Road is a key infrastructure project that connects major towns and cities across the Niger Delta region. While the road brings economic benefits, it also poses significant risks to the surrounding biophysical environment (Munasinghe, 2020). The dualization of the road has been linked to increased pollution levels, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss (Adriano, 2020). This study evaluates the physicochemical impacts of the road dualization on the biophysical environment, focusing on soil, water, and air quality along the road corridor. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing sustainable infrastructure policies that minimize environmental harm while maximizing economic development (Gibbs et al., 2020).
2 Literature Review
Physicochemical Changes Due to Road Construction: Road construction often leads to increased levels of pollutants in the surrounding environment, particularly heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and zinc (Schmidt et al., 2020). Studies have shown that construction activities, along with increased vehicular traffic, contribute to the deposition of these toxic substances in nearby soils and water bodies. For example, a study by Okon et al. (2021) found that heavy metal concentrations near road construction sites in Nigeria frequently exceeded safe levels, posing risks to both environmental and human health.
Soil Contamination from Heavy Metals: One of the most common environmental impacts of road construction is soil contamination. Heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, are often released into the environment during construction activities and vehicle emissions (Taub, 2021). These metals can persist in soils for long periods, reducing soil fertility and posing risks to agricultural activities and human health. Lindsey et al. (2020) noted that lead contamination near roads in the Niger Delta region was significantly higher than in non-road areas, largely due to vehicle exhaust and construction materials.
Water Quality Impacts: Road construction can also degrade water quality by introducing pollutants into surface and groundwater sources. Runoff from roadways can carry heavy metals, oils, and other contaminants into nearby rivers and lakes (Gibbs et al., 2020). A study by Udo and Onolememen (2021) revealed that water bodies near the East-West Road showed elevated concentrations of heavy metals, which had a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems and local water supplies.
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How to cite this paper: Iwebelua, A. C., Ani, S. C., Ajaelu, H. C. (2024). Assessment of the Impacts of East-West Road Dualisation on the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Biophysical Environment in Delta State, South-South Nigeria; PM World Journal, Vol. XIII, Issue X, October/November. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/pmwj146-OctNov2024-Iwebelua-Ani-Ajaelu-Impacts-on-Physico-Chemical-Characteristics.pdf
About the Authors
Andrew C. Iwebelua
Enugu State, Nigeria
Andrew C. Iwebelua holds an M.Sc. in Quantity Surveying and a Ph.D. in Environmental Management, both from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). His academic background combines expertise in quantity surveying with environmental stewardship, contributing to sustainable practices within the built environment.
Stephen Chukwunonso Ani
Enugu State, Nigeria
Stephen Chukwunonso Ani is a lecturer in the Department of Building at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). He earned a B.Sc. in Building from ESUT and an M.Sc. in Construction Management from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), where he is also pursuing a Ph.D. His work is dedicated to advancing construction management expertise in Nigeria.
Dr. Henry Ajaelu
Enugu State, Nigeria
Dr. Henry Ajaelu is the Head of the Department of Quantity Surveying at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). A distinguished academic, he holds a Ph.D in Environmental Management and control from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and another in Quantity Surveying from Imo State University. Dr. Ajaelu is dedicated to advancing Quantity Surveying education and impactful research within Nigeria. He can be contacted at ajaelu.henry@esut.edu.ng
