1.1 Introduction
Phosphates are chemical compounds containing phosphorus. Phosphorus is a non-metallic element which is necessary for life and is found in rock as inorganic phosphates. As water runs over and through rocks it carries off small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphates. Inorganic phosphates are a plant nutrient and are taken in by plants with water and incorporated into organic phosphate compounds. Animals obtain their essential phosphorus from phosphates in water and plant material. Natural waters have a phosphorus concentration of approximately 0.02 parts per million (ppm) which is a limiting factor for plant growth. On the other hand, large concentrations of this nutrient can accelerate plant growth (Extoxnet, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Phosphorus is one of the essential nutrients necessary for the nutrition and growth of living organisms. Like nitrogen, it is a limiting nutrient for algal growth, because it occurs in the least amount relative to the needs of plants (Chapman, 1992 and Sheila, 2005). In natural and wastewaters, phosphorus occurs almost solely as dissolved phosphate and it is the most significant form of phosphorus in natural water. Orthophosphate is the most thermodynamically stable form of phosphate, and is the form commonly identified in laboratory analysis and also used by plants. Furthermore, polyphosphates in water are unstable and eventually convert to orthophosphate (Chapman, 1992 and Nolan et al., 2000). In contrast to nitrates, phosphates are not very mobile in soils and they are only moderately soluble. However, transportation through runoff and erosion can drastically enhance their levels in surface waters. Other factors that contribute to their low concentrations in water bodies include the usually large uptake by plants and adsorption by metal oxides (Mueller, 1995).
Surface waters and groundwater become contaminated from both natural and anthropogenic sources of phosphates. Natural sources of phosphorus in both surface and groundwater include atmospheric deposition, natural decomposition of rocks and minerals, weathering of soluble inorganic materials, decaying biomass, runoff, and sedimentation. Anthropogenic sources include; fertilizers, wastewater and septic system effluent, animal wastes, detergents, industrial discharge, phosphate mining, drinking water treatment, forest fires, synthetic material development surface (Spraill et al., 1998, Sheila 2005, Mueller et al., 1995 and Manahan, 1993). Naturally occurring levels of phosphates in surface and ground water bodies are not harmful to human health, animals or the environment. Conversely, extremely high levels of phosphates can cause digestive problems (Sheila, 2005). Furthermore, excessive amounts of phosphates in water bodies can lead to eutrophication, a condition of accelerated, algal production to extreme quantities until they die off. The bacteria responsible for their decomposition use up and hence deplete the dissolved oxygen concentration in the water bodies to such levels that can result in fish kills. Additionally excessive algae on the water surface can accumulate into a scum which can result in clogged pipelines, restricted recreation and foul odours, when they eventually decay (Spraill et al., 1998, Sheila 2005, Mueller et al., 1995, Nolan, 1993 and Murray, 2003).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Assessment on Analysis of Water Pollution by Phosphate.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the challenges of the research work which entails that, naturally occurring levels of phosphates in surface and ground water bodies are not harmful to human health, animals or the environment. Conversely, extremely high levels of phosphates can cause digestive problems (Sheila, 2005).
Factors that influence the levels of phosphates in water bodies include location, population density, degree of agricultural and industrial activities in its vicinity, rock type of the area, topography of the rainfall pattern, climate nature and frequency of sampling, biological activities in soil, atmospheric deposition and chemical weathering of bedrock, flow rate and proximity to ground water (for surface water) and top soil type and depth (for groundwater bodies (Spraill et al., 1998, Sheila 2005, Manahan et al., 1993, and Clark 2000).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Analysis of Water Pollution by Phosphate. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To know the level of their pollution either they are good for the domestic purpose or not, and how they could be subjected to the treatment so as to avert the various adverse health implications.
- To compare experimental levels of total phosphate–phosphorus in selected surface water and groundwater bodies and employing available parameters (of sources and influential factors) to rationalize these levels.
1.5 Justification of Study
The study is very important to analyze solvent water because it contain a large number of phosphate or pollutant which are necessary to be checked before the water is used for any specific purpose. Ihiala local government and Uli town could be said to be a lowland area and a non-industrialized area, but the establishment of the Anambra State University has brought about rapid development as well as population explosion.
As a result, it has been suspected that there are certain activities that may bring pollution in the source A‚ of water in Ihiala and Uli town e.g. phosphate pollution. However, it becomes imperative and important to assess these major sources of water pollution by phosphate (Atamiri River) in Anambra State and to know the level of their pollution either they are good for the domestic purpose or not, and how they could be subjected to the treatment so as to avert the various adverse health implications.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Assessment on Analysis of Water Pollution by Phosphate using Atamiri River in Anambra State as a case study.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this establishment to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
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