An Investigation of Nwangene River Pollution in Onitsha, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria: Causes, Effects, and Preventive and Remedial Approaches
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70112/tarce-2025.14.1.4257Keywords:
Nwangene River, Water Pollution, Waste Management, Remediation StrategiesAbstract
This study investigated the pollution of the Nwangene River, Onitsha, Southeastern Nigeria, through detailed fieldwork, literature review, and interactions with nearby residents. The objective was to identify the causes of pollution, assess its impacts on both humans and the environment, and propose preventive and remediation measures. The major causes of Nwangene River pollution were identified as poor solid waste management infrastructure, ignorance, urban runoff, industrial effluents, erosion, encroachment, and urban development. Waste characterization revealed that plastics accounted for the largest share in both quantity and nuisance value (80%), followed by metal cans (20%). Within the plastic waste category, sachet water packs ranked highest (30%) in both quantity and nuisance value. Furthermore, although organic wastes and industrial effluents are less recognizable, their significant nuisance values were evident in the dark coloration and foul odor of the river. Findings indicated that Nwangene River pollution has led to severe environmental and human impacts, including heavy metal and organic contamination, disruption of microbial communities, mosquito breeding, flooding, biodiversity loss, land and groundwater pollution, surface water degradation, and adverse health, aesthetic, and economic consequences. The results underscore the urgent need for effective pollution prevention and eco-friendly remediation strategies in the study area. Recommended preventive measures include strict regulation of industrial waste, establishment of sustainable waste management systems, promotion of alternative waste utilization, public awareness campaigns, installation of pollutant traps, reforestation, erosion control, community participation, and periodic monitoring. A hybrid remediation approach-combining dredging, microbial bioremediation, phytoremediation, floating treatment wetlands, and natural attenuation-was also suggested to restore the Nwangene River as a vital resource for Onitsha residents.
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