Emission and Discharges Contents of Pollutant from Ships Calling the Qua-Iboe Terminal

The study focuses on the emission and discharges contents of pollutant from ships calling, and the environmental impact of shipping activities in the Qua-Iboe Terminal, located in the Ibeno Estuary of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Through an exploratory research design, the study examines the levels of pollutants emitted by ships calling at the terminal, analyzing both air and water quality. 1,128 vessels constitute the population of the study. The sample for the study is made up of one hundred and twenty-four 124 (124) vessels would select from the population of 238 vessels that operated in the terminal in the last one year. The study employs descriptive and inferential statistics, including Spearman's Rank Correlation and t-tests, to assess the significance of these emissions. Results indicate a significant increase in pollutant discharge over the past year, with current mitigation measures proving insufficient. The findings underscore the need for stronger regulatory measures to reduce the environmental impact of shipping, particularly in coastal and port regions, which serve as major receptors for ship emissions. The study contributes to existing literature on environmental management and provides valuable insights for policy-makers aiming to protect the marine and coastal environment while supporting economic development in Nigeria.