Physico- chemical and biological assessment of river qualities in Owerri federal constituency of Imo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Comparative studies and analysis of the physico-chemical qualities of selected rivers in Owerri Federal Constituency of Imo State Nigeria was carried out with four rivers, Otamiri, Nworie, Emii and Onukwu-Emeke. Inventory of anthropogenic activities on the rivers were taken. Water samples were collected at three points (upstream, mid stream and downstream) from each of the rivers and analyzed using standard methods. The result of the analysis showed that; Otamiri had highest total viable bacteria (387 cfu/100ml). Nworie recorded highest colour (43.50 Pt/Co), BOD (0.84mg/l), COD (36.53) and lowest pH (6.18). the Emii River had highest values for TSS (171.69mg/l), turbidity (39.33 NTU) and total coliform (350 cfu/100ml) the Onukwu-Emeke seem to be most polluted and utilized with highest recorded values for temperature (32.6 0C), conductivity (146.70μS/cm), TDS (76.67mg/l), Nitrate (16.35mg/l), phosphate (28.34mg/l). sulphate (430mg/l), Total Hardness (103.79mg/l), iron (25.34) and copper (4.95). It is recommended that appropriate water treatment be carried out before use, water resources utilization be regulated and relevant laws enforced.