Assessment of Pollution Level of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) from Marine Ports in Mwanza Region, Tanzania.

Ombay, Emmanuel S. (2021) Assessment of Pollution Level of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) from Marine Ports in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study determined pollution level of Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHCs) in Mwanza Region Marine Ports. The objectives of the study were three folds: to assess the pollution level of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) by Liquid-Liquid Partition gravimetric technique on Mwanza Region marine ports; to measure amount of Dissolved oxygen (DO) in water and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) in marine ports by Titrimetric method; and to analyse the effect of pollution level of Petroleum Hydrocarbons on dissolved oxygen in water. The study was longitudinal in nature and the data were collected in July 2020. Laboratory and computer analysis were employed to prepare and analyse 104 samples of water from Mwanza south and north ports. Results indicated that, all eight sampling sites recorded high TPH concentration above the acceptable standard limit (0.3 mg/L) EPA, 2009. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) have significant relationship with DO and they contribute 47.9% of the DO variation. Furthermore, TPH was found to be a significant negative predictor (p<.000) of DO. BOD5 was also a significant predictor (p<.000) of DO showing that, one-unit increase in attribute (BOD5) to 0.6 units decrease in DO. It is recommended that, community participation workshops should be carried out about marine ports health to address catchment conservation zones against pollution. The goal is to reduce inputs of sediments, oil spills and other pollutants so as to address their consequences for Lake Victoria's ecosystem, human and other end user’s health. The study also recommends measuring the concentration of heavy metals in the water as well as the sediments to ascertain more the health conditions of the Lake Victoria. This study informs general public and policy makers in environmental measures to be taken to conserve marine environments. Keywords: Pollution, Petroleum Hydrocarbons, and Marine Ports

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