The present study revealed the qualification of some monitored pollutants in
Otuoke River. The investigation of the physicochemical parameters and water
quality index confirmed the portability of the surface water for domestic use.
Water samples were collected from four different locations along the course of the
river within the Otuoke community, within a month and 2 weeks. The water
quality index was monitored in terms of pH, electric conductivity (EC (mS/cm)),
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD (mg/L)), dissolved oxygen (DO (mg/L), Total
dissolved solids (TDS/ (mg/L), Total Suspended Solid (TSS/ (mg/L) and HCO3
(mm/l) and results from the laboratory were compared with WHO and FEPA
Standard. Statistical analysis of variance was done using Python 3.6. The pH
values were found to range from 6.5-6.7 conductivity from 52.3-57.8μS/cm, Total
dissolved oxygen from 49.7-78.0 mg/L, dissolved oxygen from 2.45-3.3mg/L, total
suspendered solid from 69.0-82.8, biochemical oxygen demand from 3.1-4.4mg/L
and HCO3- from 6.5-6.7mg/L. The results of this study showed that the
concentrations of most monitored samples exceeded the WHO and FEPA
guideline values. The WQI indicated poor water quality in the river with values
ranging above 100. This study concluded that the Otuoke River is contaminated
and the water quality is not suitable for domestic portability. It is therefore
important to take appropriate steps to reduce the level of contaminants and bring
the water quality to acceptable standards.
Keywords: Qualification, Monitored, Water quality index, Otuoke River,
Domestic