Investigation into the Degree of Salinity in Some Rivers in Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study is an investigation into the degree of salinity of rivers in Bayelsa State. The rivers chosen were Brass, Nembe, Sangana and Ukubie all in Bayelsa State. Rivers samples were collected and their Salinity levels determined using the total dissolved solids methods in which the water samples were evaporated to dryness and the residual salt weighed. Their results in g/l was converted to parts per million (ppm). The result of the analysis showed that Brass river water at 22,000 ppm, Sangana River had a salinity level of 13,700 ppm, Ukubie Creek River had a salinity level of 20,000 ppm and Nembe River 13,000 ppm. The density of the various water samples obtained are given as 1.25g/cm3, 1.28g/cm3, 1.41g/cm3 and 1.45g/cm3 for Nember, Sangana, Ukubie and Brass river water as well as the pH values are within the range of 7.21 to 7.51. The research demonstrates the usefulness of these rivers in the production of local salt within the Niger Delta of Nigeria.