International Journal of Chemistry Studies

Authors
Okwesili L C, Chime C C, Nsude O P

Abstract
This study was aimed at investigating the physicochemical properties of water collected from River Niger at Isimmili Idemmili Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total number of twenty sampling points were made into five composite samples labeled [001], [002], [003], [004] and [005] respectively, and analyzed following standard procedures. The mean concentrations of the pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity ranged from 5.35±0.35 – 6.6±0.28, 28±1.41 – 31±1.41, 6.5±0.71 – 11±1.41, 78.5±0.71 – 100.5±0.71, and 9±1.41 – 13±1.41 respectively. Similarly, the values of total hardness, total solute, total suspended solute, total dissolved solute, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand ranged from 163.5±4.94 – 284±5.65, 415±21.21 – 725±35.36, 365±7.07 – 625±35.36, 560±28.28 – 815±21, 8±1.41 – 12.5±0.71, 6.5±0.71 – 10±1.41 and 12±1.41 – 22.5±2.12 respectively. For anions, the mean concentrations of nitrates, sulphates and phosphates were found to range from 55.5±0.70 – 97.5±2.12, 99±1.41 – 120±1.41, and 118.5±2.12 – 150±1.41 respectively. While fluorides and chlorides ranged from 18.5±0.71 – 36.5±0.71, and 72.5±3.54 – 98±1.41 respectively. This results show that while some parameters such as pH and COD were below permissible limits, others such as temperature, TDS, DO, sulphate, phosphate, and fluoride were found to be above the WHO permissible limit. This is a sign that water from this river is significantly polluted and poses some potential public health concern. Therefore, proper remediation techniques and adequate treatment of the water before use either for fishing activities or domestic applications is strongly recommended.