POLLUTION ASSESSMENT OF SOME WATER BODIES IN ANAMBRA STATE

ABSTRACT

Water pollution assessment of some water bodies in Anambra State was carried out between March 2023 to August 2023. Water samples and phytoplankton samples were collected and analyzed for physiochemical and biological analysis. Using physiochemical and biological parameters, Palmer's Index of Pollution, Trophic Index of Pollution, WHO (2008) and FAO (1994) standard, the pollution status of the water bodies was assessed to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. Thirteen physiochemical parameters were analyzed and the result revealed that temperature (25-29°c), TDS(7-125mg/L). conductivity (16-250 us/ cm). total alkalinity (25-50 mg L), total hardness (5-45 mg/L), sulphate (3-16 mg/L), nitrate (0.01-0.60 mg L) and phosphate (0.02-0.29 mg L) were all within the standards for drinking water. The phytoplankton flora of the water bodies constituted a total of 127 species belonging to 4 divisions: the division Chlorophyta (53), Bacillariophyta (42). Cyanophyta (3) and Cyptophyta (1). 1demili River Station recorded the highest number of phytoplankton species while Ekulo River Station 2 and Eze river recorded the lowest number of phytoplankton species found. The result of the trophic index revealed that the waterbodies were Oligotrohic for Niger River Station 1, Ekualo river Station 2 and Eze iver, Mesotrophic for Niger river station 2, Ekulo river station 1, ldesansan river and Mkpikpa stream while the three stations of ldemili River were eutrophic. Using Plamer's Index, out of 20 genera of algac species that indicated organic pollution, only 9 genera were found present in the waterbodies studied. The result indicated low organic pollution for all the water except for Ekulo River Station I and 2 which indicated no organic pollution. The result indicated that the water bodies were generally not safe for drinking but can be used for irrigation purposes.