Surface Water Quality Assessment in Owerri West Local Government Area for Irrigation and Domestic Use

Authors: Igbokwe, O.S., Iwuchukwu, E.I. And Ibearugbulem, O.H.

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12599434

ABSTRACT

Assessment of water is not only for suitability for human consumption but also in relation to its agricultural, industrial, recreational, commercial uses and its ability to sustain aquatic life. Water quality monitoring is therefore a fundamental tool in the management of freshwater resources. The aim of this research work is to assess the surface water quality of Otamiri River in Owerri West Local Government Area for irrigation and domestic use. Standard analytical procedures were used in the determination of selected physical, chemical and biological water quality parameters of the samples. In May, June &July (2023) mean Temperature ranges from 26.6 to 28.0 oC, Calcium 6.2 mg/l to 12.2 mg/l, Nitrate 16.14 mg/ to 34.4 mg/l, total coliform count 15 to 35 MPN, chloride 2.5 to 10.5 mg/l, magnesium 2.9 to 3.7 mg/l, phosphate 0.9 to 1.6 mg/l, pH 6.1 to 6.5, BOD5 7.7 to 13.9 mg/l, turbidity 24.5 to 61.7 mg/l, sulphate 30.1 to 45.4 mg/l, dissolved solid 50.3 to 144.8 mg/l and electrical conductivity 64.0 to 77.5 µS/cm but the WHO Standards for temperature, calcium, nitrate, total coliform, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, pH, BOD5, turbidity, sulphate, dissolved solid and electrical conductivity were 40.0 oC, 50 mg/l, 10 mg/l, 1.0 MPN, 1.0 mg/l, 0.3 mg/l, 10.1 mg/l, 7.0, 4.0 mg/l, 5.0 mg/l, 200 mg/l, 200 mg/l and 100 µS/cm respectively. The results show that some sampling points fall within the WHO standards limits while others were far greater than the standard limits. The samples that are within the limits can sustain aquatic life and are safe for human consumption and Irrigation while those beyond the permissible limits are not potable enough and are harmful to ecosystem.

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