Baseline studies of water quality of Okura River in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water samples from Okura river in kogi state were analysed for some physicochemical parameters and heavy metals to ascertain the water quality. The samples were collected at six sampling points along the river. Results obtained were compared with WHO and other regulatory standard guidelines. Average nitrate and phosphate levels were higher than regulatory guidelines. Total hardness results upstream and downstream were generally low. Overall average concentrations of heavy metals were at baseline levels except Zn with overall average values of 0.37±0.09 and0.23±0.03 upstream and downstream respectively. Okura river fell in the class III Quality of water based on the Prati scale.

Keywords: water quality, Okura river, physicochemical, heavy metals, Kogi State