EVALUATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF SURFACE WATER IN SELECTED TRIBUTARIES OF OTAMIRIOCHE, OGUECHIE AND IMO RIVER IN ETCHE, RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of surface water in selected tributaries of Otamirioche, Oguechie and Imo River in Etche, Rivers State. The experimental research design was adopted for this study. Three sample locations (Chokocho river, Egbelubi river & Odagwa river) were selected. These rivers represent the tributaries of Otamirioche, Oguechie and Imo River in Etche and standard methods were deployed in determining the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal content of these surface water samples. Result revealed that pH values, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids ranged from 5.7±0.8 to 7.2±1.2, 23.6±0.60C to 28.5±0.60C, 5.1±2.0 mg/l to 5.4±2.4 mg/l, 2.9±0.4 mg/l to 3.6±0.4 mg/l and 1.0 ±0 mg/l to 2.5±0.7 mg/l respectively. Calcium and magnesium concentration ranged from 123.6±10.4 mg/l to 162.2±31.5 mg/l and 104.9±30.3 mg/l to 132.1±30.5 mg/l. Result also revealed that the mean concentration of heavy metals in most of the water samples were within the WHO stipulated limits except at Odagwa River where there are exceedances in the concentration levels of lead and cadmium. The study recommends periodic and regular monitoring and assessment of surface water quality within the study area