Seasonal Variation in the Physico-chemical Characteristics of Surface Water in EtcheRiver, Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the seasonal variation in the physico-chemical characteristics of surface water in Etche River in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study area is a vast theatre for multiple petroleum development and cottage industries activity .Water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons, from six sampling points, two samples along the river course. Grab (Catch) water sampling method was used in collection of water samples into PVC and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) bottles, during the two different seasons. The water samples were well labeled and stored at 4 O C. Water Temperature (T), pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were measured by mercury bulb thermometer, pH meter and Conductivity-total dissolved solids (TDS) Meter, respectively. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Alkalinity (TA) and free Carbon Dioxide (CO2) were analyzed by standard methods (Eaton and Franson, 2005). Differences exist in observed physico-chemical properties of water samples collected during the two seasons. For instance, during the wet season, the level of magnesium, Calcium, and pH were 72.22(mg/l), 297.3 (mg/l)and 5.07 respectively, while values for dry season were 63.19(mg/l),260.1 (mg/l) and 6.11 respectively. Value for TDS in both seasons samples were relatively higher than the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) stipulated limits. Copper concentration was found to be between 0.09 and 0.06 mg/l. The study revealed the disposal of industrial, commercial and domestic waste into Etche River. Recommendations, preferred include, the need to control point source and non-point source contamination of the Etche River