Quantification of contaminants level in Otuoke River: Assessment of physicochemical properties, and Water Quality Index for domestic portability

The present study revealed the qualification of some monitored pollutants in Otuoke River.The investigation of the physicochemical parameters and water quality index confirmed the portability of the surface water for domestic use.Water samples were collected from four different locations along the course of the river within the Otuoke community, within a month and 2 weeks.The water quality index was monitored in terms of pH, electric conductivity (EC (mS/cm)), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD (mg/L)), dissolved oxygen (DO (mg/L), Total dissolved solids (TDS/ (mg/L), Total Suspended Solid (TSS/ (mg/L) and HCO3 (mm/l) and results from the laboratory were compared with WHO and FEPA Standard.Statistical analysis of variance was done using Python 3.6.The pH values were found to range from 6.5-6.7 conductivity from 52.3-57.8μS/cm,Total dissolved oxygen from 49.7-78.0mg/L, dissolved oxygen from 2.45-3.3mg/L,total suspendered solid from 69.0-82.8,biochemical oxygen demand from 3.1-4.4mg/Land HCO3-from 6.5-6.7mg/L.The results of this study showed that the concentrations of most monitored samples exceeded the WHO and FEPA guideline values.The WQI indicated poor water quality in the river with values ranging above 100.This study concluded that the Otuoke River is contaminated and the water quality is not suitable for domestic portability.It is therefore important to take appropriate steps to reduce the level of contaminants and bring the water quality to acceptable standards.