Impacts of land use on the quality of Ala River in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was carried out to ascertain the impacts of land use on water quality in Ala river within Akure metropolis, Nigeria. Physical, chemical and bacteriological tests were carried out on the water samples collected from eight different sample points along the river. The parameters analyzed were temperature, odour, taste, colour, turbidity, nitrite, nitrate, pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphorus, chlorine, and heavy metals which include copper, cobalt, iron, nickel, zinc, arsenic, selenium, manganese and lead. All the samples indicated contamination alongside the presence of heavy metals. COD values of 160, 300, 580, 220, 400 and 120mg/L observed in points 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 respectively were above the WHO permissible limit. In point 1, the concentration of heavy metals like iron and lead were above the safe limit. The result showed that amongst the human activities identified to cause water pollution, improper waste disposal and uncontrolled agricultural activities had major effects.