Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) of the River Nun, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water remained the second most required and useful natural resource after air; but its usefulness is underscored through quality and quantity among various sources; of all sources of water, surface water occupied 70% of the earth's surface in various forms at a given time in space. Despite the abundance, water quality remained a global burden such that hardly could there be any of such water bodies without questionable insignia in the Niger Delta. Therefore, it became pertinent to assess and characterized the water quality of the River Nun at various reaches. A six months (dry and wet season) sampling exercise was conducted following standards on Nine (9) physiochemical and biological parameters. Results in pH, Temperature, Biological Oxygen Demand, Total Phosphate, Turbidity, and Total Dissolved Solids were within limits while concentrations for fecal coliform count, Dissolved Oxygen, and Nitrate were above limits. At 0.05% the differences among communities and seasons was insignificant while among parameters is significant. The Comprehensive Pollution Index range between slightly polluted – seriously polluted while the Water Quality Index for the River Nun is classified into Class 3 (C) literally described as Medium; which is unfit for drinking and for recreational activities without prior treatment. Therefore, information regarding the water quality of the River Nun be transmitted to armed inhabitants of the status of the River Nun.