EFFECT OF POLLUTION ON THE PHYSIO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTIC OF OTAMMIRI RIVER, IMO STATE.

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the physiochemical characteristics of Otammiri River in Imo state Nigeria. Samples were taken from three different points along the river. The physio-chemical parameters of the water samples were measured both in-situ and in the laboratory. The parameters measured included Temperature, `pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD) dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), Electrical conductivity (EC), Turbidity, Total dissolved oxygen (TDS), Alkalinity, Nitrate, Sulphate, chloride, Total hardness. The range values of the measured parameters were compared with world health organization (WHO) standards. The finding showed that all the physio-chemical parameters measured were below the tolerable values ranges except (DO), pH, Temperature. The dissolve oxygen of the water was found to be between 15.62 – 16.73mg/L indicating the abundance growth of phytoplankton with less water flow, which led to the increased generation of oxygen (O₂) by photosynthesis activities in the study area as   opposed to WHO (10.00mg/L). pH was found to be 5.79 – 6.12; showing the acidity of the study area exceeding WHO (2003) limit  of (6.50 ± 8.50) while Temperature was 28⁰C all through the stations.  28.00^oC is within the WHO (2003) limit of (20 – 30^oC). Some of these parameters studied were significant at (P<0.05) at all the    sampling stations. This study has revealed that though Otammiri River is not heavily polluted, but the observed fluctuation of the investigated parameters along the sampling points could be as a result of human activities and environmental degradation through industrialization. It is therefore recommended that adequate monitoring and control of pollution within the River should be encouraged.