January 2015 Vol.3 No.1

Search Pubmed for articles by:
 

Original Research Article

Assessment of the physico-chemical properties and heavy metal status of water samples from Ohii Miri River in Abia State, Nigeria

Jonah A. E.¹, Solomon M. M.¹* and Ano A. O.²

¹Department of Science Technology, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
²Department of Soil Science, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

^*Corresponding Author’s Email: solomosmon2012@yahoo.com

Accepted December 24, 2014

Abstract

TThe physico-chemical properties and heavy metal status of Ohii Miri River in Abia State, Nigeria was assessed. The section of the river studied (from Ahia-Eke to Amaoba-Ime) was divided into three segments designated as Station A, B, and C. The water samples were collected from five positions along each of the three stations. Values obtained from the five sampling points were averaged. The water samples were analyzed for pH, conductivity, total alkalinity, total acidity, chloride content, phosphates, sulphates, total nitrogen, organic carbon, Ca, Mg, Na, K, BOD, COD, total solids, and heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cd, and Cr) using standard procedures. Correlation analysis was also employed to examine the relationship between the various parameters in the water samples. The results obtained were compared with WHO standard. The result showed that the water was acidic during the dry season. Values of conductivity, total alkalinity, chloride content, phosphates, sulphates, organic carbon, organic matter, Ca, Mg, BOD, COD, and total solid were found to be higher in the dry season than rainy season. The water was found to contain heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cd) in concentrations above the permissible limit given by WHO.

Keywords: Concentration, Heavy metals, Ohii Miri River; Permissible limit, Physico-chemical parameters