Abstract
The present work was conducted to study the physicochemical parameters of lower River Niger at Lokoja and Ajaokuta local government area of Kogi state, with the aims to determine the physical and chemical situation of the River at this point in time, compare the physical and chemical situation of the river with earlier work done on River Niger and other relevant water bodies by relevant authors also to determine its suitability for fish growth and survival at this point in time. Water samples were collected for four month (January to April) at three sampling site (two site from Lokoja and one from Ajaokuta local government area) and analysed for various physicochemical parameter. The mean temperature values ranged from 23.55 - 28.350C at Kpata station, 24.65- 29.750C at Adankolo station and 23.90-28.900C at Gadumo station. The mean pH values ranged from 6.69-8.15 at Kpata station, 6.60-8.30 at Adankolo station and 6.10-8.20 at Gadumo station. The mean electrical conductivity values ranged from 68.50-135.50µS/cm at Kpata station, 68.00-122.50 µS/cm at Adankolo station and 68.00-122.50 µS/cm at Gadumo station. The mean dissolved oxygen (DO) values ranged from 6.10-9.30 mg/l at Kpata station, 5.65-7.78 mg/l at Adankolo station and 6.10-9.30 mg/l at Gadumo station. The mean transparency values ranged from 0.31-0.60m at Kpata station, 0.31-0.60m at Adankolo station and 0.30-0.44m at Gadumo station. The mean biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values ranged from 2.10-2.95 mg/l at Kpata station, 2.05-3.25 mg/l at Adankolo station and 2.10-4.00 mg/l at Gadumo station. The mean nitrate values ranged from 0.02-0.05 mg/l at Kpata station, 0.02-0.03 mg/l at Adankolo station and 0.02-0.04 mg/l at Gadumo station. The mean phosphate values ranged from 0.48-0.61 mg/l at Kpata station, 0.51-0.65 mg/l at Adankolo station and 0.49-0.64 mg/l at Gadumo station. The study indicated that the mean value of the studied parameters which include pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, Electrical conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, transparency and phosphate of the River compares slightly favourably with the work of other researchers and within the range that support fish growth and survival. This indicates that the river is in a healthy state and is favourable for fish growth and survival.
 Keywords: physiochemical parameter, water, river Niger, fish growth
Highlights
Seriously diminished because of contamination and pollution
Temperature: The mean temperature values ranged from 23.55 - 28.350C at Kpata station, 24.65- 29.750C at Adankolo station and 23.90-28.900C at Gadumo station
The highest temperature mean value of 26.800C, 27.63 0C, and 27.20 0C were recorded in the month of April at Kpata and Adankolo and in the month of March in Gadumo station, while the lowest temperature value of 23.900C, 24.850C and 24.850C were recorded in the month of February at Kpata station and in January at Adankolo and Gadumo station
Summary
Seriously diminished because of contamination and pollution. Pollution of water is a universal problem, so its active ensuring is required (Altaf et al, 2013 and Dhirendra et al, 2009). Countless factors are responsible for water pollution, which makes it moderately unbefitting for life. Pollution effortlessly rises and increases with increase in population (Oluyemi et al, 2010) It is a communal practice of those people who live near the River catchments to discharge their excreta and domestic wastes into the Rivers. Both wild and domestic animals’ use same drinking water and contaminates and pollutes water through direct defecation and urination (Ugwu et al, 2012). Both physical and chemical properties of water are frequently changed when it is contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants, which makes water inappropriate and inconvenient for plant growth and other activities. This study will provide basic information on the physicochemical parameters that promote the growth of phytoplankton and zooplanktons
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
