Comparative Studies On The Water Quality Of Aba River, Aba Abia State

ABSTRACT

Aba River was investigated for a period of four months. During the study the physicochemical characteristics and nutrient concentration as well as heavy metals were monitored bi monthly (twice in a month) to have a base line water quality information of the river. Three sampling location were mapped out along the course of the river. Sample A was the upstream where the river originates. Sample B was the middle stream about four kilometers from the upstream and sample C the downstream, about two kilometers from middle stream. Parameters monitored were: temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solid, dissolved Oxygen, biological oxygen demand, conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity. Nutrients monitored were phosphates, phosphorus,  calcium, potassium, magnesium. Heavy metals monitored were lead, zinc and copper. However.  the mean values of the parameters and some nutrients showed a significant different at (p<0.05) level of significance. These parameters varied from one location to another, hut location B has the highest recorded range of the parameters. Result obtained showed that location B had the highest concentration of nutrients and highest value of physicochemical parameters.