Seasonal Variation in Some Physicochemical Parameters of Water from Douglas Creek, Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom State

This study evaluated the seasonal variation of physicochemical parameters in Douglas Creek, Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom State, to determine water quality status and ecological implications. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted during the wet (July–September 2023) and dry (January–March 2024) seasons, with water samples analyzed using standard methods. Parameters such as pH, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, chloride, total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD), cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺), and total petroleum hydrocarbons were determined using appropriate analytical instruments. The results revealed pronounced seasonal differences, with electrical conductivity rising from 278.67 µS/cm in the wet season to 30,344.67 µS/cm in the dry season (P = .009), chloride from 20.02 mg/L to 15,881.00 mg/L (P = .018), salinity from 175.33 mg/L to 23,028.67 mg/L (P = .004), and turbidity from 5.33 NTU to 306.67 NTU (P = .014), while calcium and potassium concentrations also increased significantly in the dry season. These changes, driven by reduced dilution, saline intrusion, and evaporation, led to elevated mineral and salt loads that exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) limits, thereby posing risks to aquatic biodiversity and public health. The findings underscore the urgent need for continuous monitoring and stricter environmental management to safeguard water quality in Douglas Creek.