Determination of levels of physicochemical parameters in water samples of New Calabar River, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water pollution is a worldwide issue caused by human interference with nature. The physicochemical variables of water samples of the New Calabar River were studied to develop guideline data on the pollution status. Water samples were obtained from several places based on effluent characteristics. The physicochemical characteristics were analysed using standard conventional techniques. The results obtained for some physicochemical parameters were pH (6.08 ±0.11), BOD (9.17 ± 0.26mg/l), turbidity (25.23 ± 4.07NTU), TDS (5179±808.03mg/l), nitrate (5.90±1.35mg/l), sulphate (73.03±11.04), chloride (1216.67±175.59mg/l) and electrical conductivity (9690.33±1112.72μs/cm). Biological oxygen demand, TDS, Total alkalinity, Turbidity, Chloride, and Electrical conductivity were all above the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency's recommended limits (NESREA). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed at a 95% confidence level which revealed that the value of some parameters differed significantly (P<0.05) from one location to the next. The variation in each parameter observed along the river was caused by pollution from activities that take place along the river's bank and nearby. The river water was found to be unsafe for human consumption. As a result, suitable measures should be put in place to avoid further degradation of the water body.