Spatial and Seasonal Concentration of Dissolved Nutrients in River Ethiope, Nigeria

Authors: Atedhor GO, Okelezo O

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

This study examined the variation of dissolved nutrients along River Ethiope, Delta State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected at the upper course (Umutu), middle course (Eku) and lower course (Sapele) during early, peak and late periods of the wet and dry seasons. Concentration of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, NO₃^-, HCO₃^-1, Cl^- and SO₄^2- were analyzed. Findings reveal insignificant seasonal variations in the concentration of the nutrients at each of the stages and along the course of RE. Positive significant relationships were observed between Na⁺ and K⁺, SO₄^2- and Na⁺ (P < 0.05) and SO₄^2- and K⁺ (P < 0.01) at the upper course. At the middle course, positive significant relationships existed between NO₃^- and Ca²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ (P < 0.05) and between HCO₃^-1 and Na⁺ (P < 0.01) while at the lower course, positive significant relationships were detected between Na⁺ and K⁺, NO₃^- and Ca²⁺, HCO₃^-1 and K⁺ as well as between HCO₃^-1 and Na+ (P < 0.05). At the lower course, positive significant relationships existed between SO₄^2- and and K⁺, Na⁺ and HCO₃^-1. Highest and lowest concentrations of nutrients at the upper course were Cl ^-(81.35±14.17 mg/l) and SO₄^2-(0.31±0.11 mg/l) respectively while highest and lowest concentrations at the middle course were Cl^- (81.29±17.86 mg/l) and SO₄^2- (0.29±0.09 mg/l) respectively whereas at the lower course, highest and the lowest concentrations were Cl^- (72.63±18.17 mg/l) and NO₃^- (0.12±0.07 mg/l) respectively. The upper course largely witnessed the highest concentration of nutrients. Findings suggest similarities in the natural and anthropogenic sources of some of the nutrients at the catchment area of RE.

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