Physico-Chemical Studies Of A Tropical Urban Stream In Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Essiere-Ebom stream is a tropical urban stream in Calabar South Local Government Area, approximately 155m from Nsidung Beach area of the Calabar River, Nigeria. The stream water is used majorly by the inhabitants of the area for recreational activities, domestic purposes and support of aquatic life. The stream water was therefore analysed for physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and nutrient (Phosphate and nitrate) to ascertain its suitability for the purpose it is being used for when compared with permissible limits of WHO and FEPA. From the results of the study, surface water temperature ranged between 26.22 – 29.46⁰C, with a mean of 27.38±1.41⁰C. Dissolved oxygen was observed to range between 4.24–5.26mg/l, with a mean of 4.87±0.37mg/l, pH ranged between 7.24– 7.52, with a mean of 7.39±0.12, conductivity ranged between 144.32 – 146.43 µs/cm, with a mean of 145.02 ±1.02 µs/cm while phosphate concentration ranged between 0.028–0.048mg/l, with a mean of 0.041± 0.008mg/l and nitrate ranged between 0.044–0.049mg/l, with a mean of 0.0448 ± 0.002mg/l. All parameters analysed were within the WHO and FEPA permissible limits for unpolluted tropical freshwater bodies meant for domestic use and recreational activities in addition to suitability for the sustenance of aquatic life.