Seasonal variations of physico-chemical characteristics in water resources quality in Western Niger Delta region, Nigeria

Abstract

The influence of seasonal changes on the physico-chemical characteristics of water resources quality in the western horn of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has been investigated. The water resources investigated were rain, open well and borehole water. The seasonal temperature variations show the waters to be in a heterothermal phase, but values are not significantly different (P<0.05). The pH of the water resources is acidic in nature with pH values <5.50 at all seasons. In general, the data revealed that maxima and minima concentrations of the priority physico-chemical water quality parameters examined in the three water resources are either above or below the target water quality range (TWQR) for domestic use, making these three water resources available in the area a potential health hazards to inhabitant. The overall implication of this observation calls for an urgent water resources management strategy in the area in order to circumvent the fast deteriorating water resources quality, which may pose associated health risk and environmental hazards.


Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 9(1) 2005: 191-195