ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SAND MINING IN ISIODU RIVER, ISIODU, EMOHUA NEW CALABAR RIVER, RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the environmental and socio-economic impacts of sand mining in Isiodu River, Isiodu, Emohua, within the New Calabar River system of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was undertaken to assess the abundance and distribution of flora and fauna within selected sand-mining sites. The study area was divided into three sampling points, namely Bridge Point, Mid-point and Last Point, to examine variations in the distribution of biological resources associated with sand mining activities. Data obtained from the study sites were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings on flora abundance showed variations in the distribution of plant species across the three sampling points. Species recorded included Lupinus spp., Tectona grandis, Crinum spp., Phoenix dactylifera, Pandanus spp., Terminalia spp., Paspalum spp., Phragmites australis, Tribulus terrestris and Syngonium podophyllum. Significant variation in flora distribution was observed at the Mid-point (p = 0.028), while the differences at the Bridge Point (p = 0.279) and Last Point (p = 0.809) were not significant. Faunal assessment recorded ten organisms, including mudskipper, periwinkle, catfish, tilapia, crab, flathead mullet, water snail, earthworms, sharptooth and reedfish. Significant differences in fauna distribution were observed at the Bridge Point (p = 0.005) and Last Point (p = 0.002), whereas the difference at the Mid-point was not significant (p = 0.085). The findings indicate that sand-mining activities are associated with variations in the abundance and distribution of flora and fauna within the study area. The study therefore highlights the need for environmentally sustainable sand mining practices, regular ecological monitoring and effective community participation in the management and conservation of the Isiodu River ecosystem.