Assessment of Environmental Pollution from Ship Discharges in Bonny River, Rivers State

Ship-source pollution poses a serious threat to the ecological integrity of Nigerian waterways, particularly in areas with high maritime traffic and active hydrocarbon exploration. This study assesses the nature and extent of environmental pollution resulting from ship discharges, including bilge water, ballast water, and oily sludge, in Bonny River, Rivers State. A descriptive field survey was employed, combining water quality sampling from ten designated monitoring points along the river with review of incident reports from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and structured interviews with local fishing communities. Water samples were analysed for hydrocarbon content, total dissolved solids, and biological oxygen demand. Results indicate elevated hydrocarbon concentrations at sampling points near offshore supply vessel anchorages, with values exceeding the limits prescribed by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. Communities downstream of vessel anchorage zones report significant declines in fish catches and water quality over the past four years. The research identifies inadequate shipboard waste management systems and absence of port reception facilities for oily waste as primary drivers of illegal discharges. Recommendations include establishment of waste reception facilities at Bonny Port, mandatory installation of oil-water separators on all supply vessels, and increased monitoring presence by NOSDRA and NIMASA. Findings carry direct implications for environmental management policy in the Niger Delta. Keywords: ship discharge, Bonny River, marine pollution, MARPOL, oil-water separator