Spatial and temporal variations of physical-chemical parameters of the Akor river in Ikwuano local government of Abia state, Nigeria

Abstract

Physical-chemical parameters of the Akor River were investigated. The river water was sampled for seven months (February –August) in 2019 and analysed following standard procedures and protocols. The results revealed that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among all the investigated physical-chemical parameters across stations. Mean values of all the investigated physical-chemical parameters were within Federal Ministry of Environment set standards (2011) except for chemical oxygen demand and pH. Spatiotemporal results revealed that turbidity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, and the major cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) as well as the major anions (PO₄^3-, NO₃^- and SO₄^2-), were high during the rainy season months, but water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand were higher during the dry season months. The percentage of Na⁺ contents ranged from 15.85 to 16.39%, indicating that Akor River has excellent irrigation water quality. The Nemerow pollution index varied from 0.59 to 0.63, also indicating that the river water is of good quality. The water quality index results varied from 52.70 to 54.50%, indicating that Akor River has a good water quality status. The result of water pollution index revealed that Akor River status is excellent and capable of sustaining biodiversity as well as crop irrigation.