POLLUTION STUDIES OF SOME WATER BODIES IN WARRI, DELTA STATE

ABSTRACT

Pollution study was carried out on fifteen different water bodies in Warri, Delta State. Water and periphyton samples were collected from the 26th to 30th of September, 2019 and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters using standard methods. The periphyton samples were examined microscopically in order to ascertain the quality of the water bodies. The results of the phsico-chemical analysis were in the ranges of 5.7- 6.5(pH) , 27.0- 905Pt.co(colour), 2.0-83.0NTU(turbidity), 5.3-58.3mg/l (total dissolved solid), 10.0-110uS/cm(conductivity) , 6.0-24mg/l(hardness),1.13-4.55mg/l(Nitrate),5.0-23 mg/l(sulphate), 4.0-52.0mg/l(alkalinity)2.0-8.5mg/l (disolved oxygen) 0.5-6.9mg/l(biochemical oxygen demand), 1.60-8.82mg/l (calcium) and 0.47-2.43mg/l(magnesium). A total of 53 periphyton taxa from 20 genera were identified belonging to the division Chlorophtya, Bacillariophyta, and Cyanophyta in order of decreasing contribution. Most frequently occurring species were Eunotia sp and Pinnularia sp. The Palmer's pollution index of the water bodies studied ranged from 0-8, indicating low organic pollution. Generally most water bodies studied recorded Palmer's pollution index value less than 6 with exception of Aladja burrow pit which recorded a value of 8 indicating low organic pollution. The water bodies were suitable for drinking according to SON, WHO and FEMnv standards for all parameters except turbidity and dissolved oxygen.