Physicochemical parameters of water in earthen ponds and concrete water storage reservoirs in Bakolori irrigation project, Zamfara state, north western Nigeria

Abstract

Physicochemical Parameters of large Earthen Ponds and Concrete water storage reservoirs (CWSRs) of Bakolori Irrigation Project (BIP) were investigated from March 2019 to February 2020. Four sampling stations were randomly selected from the two water body types. Air and Water Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Water Depth, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Transparency & Salinity were determined in situ, while water samples were collected monthly from the eight sampling stations and taken to the laboratory for analysis of Alkalinity, Hardness, Nitrate-N and Phosphate-P. The data collected were arranged on the bases of two seasons (dry & wet) and five sub-seasons, namely: Early dry (Oct - Dec); mid dry (Jan & Feb); late dry (March - May); Early rainy (June & July) and flood period (Aug & Sept), and subjected to T test analysis using Minitab statistical package. Results were compared with the water quality standards for Human consumption, aquatic life and fish production aquatic life and aquaculture. Results showed that with the exception of high Turbidity (low transparency) due to mud & debris in the water storage reservoir in some sub seasons, the water bodies were suitable for Aquatic life and Aquaculture. But partly unsafe for human consumption. The study recommends continuous assessment of the water bodies for physicochemical parameters. It further recommends the use of several water storage reservoirs for mudfish (such as Clarias and Hetrobranchus species) production instead of leaving them redundant as observed during the study period.