Hydro and geo parameters from a fluvial habitat: A baseline report

Abstract

The study aimed to document the water and soil parameters around a river habitat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Four water samples were collected from four sampling points for three weeks, while fifty soil samples were collected randomly. Standard procedures were used to evaluate the sample parameters. The results showed that the pH at points A and D in week 1, point A in week 2, and point D in week 3 did not meet the WHO standard (6.5-8.5). However, there was an increase in the mean pH across the weeks. Mean temperature showed an irregular trend across the weeks, with an exponential increase and decrease in weeks 2 and 3. Total dissolved solid (TDS) ranged from 133.50 – 135.50; 133.50 – 135.00 and 106.50 – 108.00 ppm and within the WHO standard (<600 ppm) while salinity ranged from 132.50 – 135.50; 133.0 – 136.50 and 107.00 – 108.50 ppm and above the WHO standard (100 ppm). Mean EC, TDS and salinity levels had a similar decreasing trend across the weeks. Total alkalinity ranged from 58.50 – 72.50; 72.00 – 87.00 and 6.60 – 125.00 mg/L and within the WHO standard (200 mg/L). The soil parameters range showed pH (5.72 – 6.69), salinity (49.67 – 95.33), EC (99.67 – 190 µS/cm), temperature (23.10 – 24.23ºC), TDS (49.67 – 94.67 ppm) and percentage moisture content (MC) (3.50 – 37.25%). In conclusion, the study provides a baseline status of the habitat although limited. If unperturbed by human activities, it could serve as a potential biodiversity hotspot.