Comparison of Investigated Levels of Physicochemical Parameters in Qua Iboe River, Oruk Anam, Nigeria with Portable Water Standards

Abstract

This research was carried out for comparision of status of physicochemical parameters in Qua Iboe River, Oruk Anam, Nigeria with portable water standards. Water samples were collected from five sampling locations in the study area for analysis of the physicochemical parameters in wet and dry seasons. Physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis with Statistical Package for Social Science. The levels of some of the parameters were higher in dry season than wet season. Higher levels of some of the parameters were obtained in downstream than upstream and was ascribed to variation in levels of anthropogenic activities across the sampling locations. By extension, this indicated a likelihood of future escalation in levels of the physicochemical parameters in the river beyond permissiable limits given by World Health Organisation and other regulatory bodies in areas of higher levels of anthropogenic activities if the trend is not curbed. Comparatively, the levels of all the physicochemical parameters in the river water in both seasons were all within permissible limits for portable water standards set by World Health Organisation among other regulatory bodies. This implies that the river water quality supports life of aquatic organisms and also suitable for some domestic uses.  Principal component analysis of some of the physicochemical parameters revealed positive correlation coefficients (loadings) with one another. Hence for sustainability of the river water quality by government, regulation of anthropogenic activities in the study area is strongly advocated.