Analysis of Ochani River in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

Surface water undergoes immense strain, and it has been estimated that, owing to its simple disposability, human waste and toxic industrial discharges is released untreated into the surface water. The most affected to this transformation is the surface water caused by anthropogenic contaminants. It is in the light of this that the study assessed the physicochemical and heavy metal parameters in the surface water at Ochani River in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area. The water samples were collected 500meters apart from different points, and the adjourning river which serve as the ‘control point’. Analysis of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters were done using appropriate measures and standard procedures. The finding indicate that the lead values obtained from the analysis of the sampled water is 0.001mg/l; copper value <0.001mg/l; Zinc values range from 0.002mg/l to 0.004mg/l, while Iron values obtained from the sampled water analysis ranged from 0.336mg/l to 0.724mg/l; and the value of chromium is ranging from 0.001mg/l to 0.004. The laboratory analysis of pH and turbidty values ranged from 5.34 to 5.54 and, 60 - 70 NTU, respectively. These obtained values are below the maximum limit for DPR and WHO surface water standards. Therefore, the study recommend that Ochani River is not safe for human intake.