Physicochemical Properties and Total Coliform Distribution of Selected Rivers in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Rivers are important freshwater resources for domestic and industrial activities, and the availability of good-quality freshwater is indispensable for preventing water-borne diseases and improving quality of life, especially in communities that lack a water supply system. The physicochemical parameters and coliform distribution of some selected rivers in Osun State, soutwestern Nigeria were evaluated using standard analytical procedures. The physicochemical qualities ranged as follows: pH (6.9-7.6), temperature (26-29ºC), turbidity (2.28 = 9.46 NTU), electrical conductivity (229-581 μS/cm), nitrate (0.03-0.05 mg/L), nitrite (0.00-0.01 mg/L), sulphate (3.33-20.33 mg/L), chloride ions (7.83-27.33 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (4.23-5.57 mg/L), total dissolved solids (56-184 mg/L), total hardness (78-519 mg/L) and alkalinity (50.67-146.67 mg/L). Total coliforms were detected in counts ranging from 59 to 176 CFU/100 ml of water sample. One-way ANOVA showed that pH, temperature, electrical conductivities, nitrates, nitrites, chloride, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solid, total hardness and alkalinity were significantly different (P<0.05), whereas turbidity and sulphate were not significantly different (P>0.05) from each parameter with respect to sampling sites. Generally, results from this study suggest that the river waters are not suitable for consumption, domestic or recreational use, and confirm the importance of protecting the freshwater resources of southwestern Nigeria.

Seasonal and Tidal variations of DO, BOD, and Nutrients in Major Rivers within Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria

“…Concentrations of sulphate (SO4 2-) in the studied rivers are illustrated in Figure 6. SO4 [73]. However, the mean concentration of SO4 2recorded (25.58±24.63mg/L) is lower than 500.0 mg/L limit recommended for unpolluted water body by NESREA, [57].…”

Physicochemical characteristics and green microalgae composition of selected rivers in Ogun State, Nigeria

“…According to Dimowo (2013), the sources of freshwater for human consumption and other domestic purposes include the rivers, lakes, streams, wells, and springs and the river system is the most complex and one of the oldest of the freshwater bodies in the world (Higler, 2012). Rivers are prone to pollution due to the huge anthropogenic activities which are suspected to be related to a large number of epidemic and chronic diseases suffered by humans (Gbola et al, 2017;Titilawo et al, 2019) and the quality of water can be determined by its physical, chemical and microbiological properties (Oluseyi et al, 2011). The physicochemical parameters including pH, turbidity, dissolved salts, and hardness can affect the biological activities of the river and the presence of nutrients such as nitrates, sulphates and phosphates are equally crucial for primary productivity in the aquatic environment (Annalakshmi and Amsath, 2012).…”