Characterization by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the Chemistry of Atmospheric Precipitation in Oil and Non-Oil Producing Communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
1Ubuoh E. A. & 2Ekpo , F. E.
1Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology,
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
2Department of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Uyo
Email: ubuohemmanuel@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the character of atmospheric precipitation from oil and non-oil producing communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, due to incidence of rainwater pollution and its effects on man and his environment. This was accomplished through the use of principal component analysis (PCA) for data interpretation and grouping of atmospheric precipitation for rainwater quality sustainability for human consumption .Twenty seven (27) samples of atmospheric rainwater from oil producing and non- oil producing communities were tested. From the use of PCA, four underlying components were extracted from study locations: Component I with high positive loadings includes: (temperature, TDS, Turbidity, EC, NO3, Pb),Component II (pH, Cl, Zn), Component IV ( CaCO3, NH4Fe) all emanated from gas flared region leading to acid rain formation within oil producing communities. Results from non-oil producing communities shown high positives loadings in Component 1 (temperature, Cl, SO4, CaCO3,NH3, Fe, Cd and Mn).Component II : (Colour, pH, Zn), component III (NO3), and Component IV (turbidity, Pb) suspected to be caused by vehicular flows, agriculture and other activities outside gas flaring. Ultimately, the results of PCA reflect a good look on the water quality monitoring and interpretation of the atmospheric rainwater in oil producing and non-oil producing communities of Akwa Ibom State. This then calls for enforcement of the enabling environmental rules and regulations to mitigate environmental pollution caused by incessant gas flaring in the region.
Keywords: Principal Component Analysis, Atmosphere, Chemistry, Precipitation, Gas flaring
