Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Water and Sediments in Ikpoba and Ogba Rivers, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of good water quality to environmental and human health cannot be over-emphasised and physicochemical properties are essential in assessing the quality of water around the world. This study therefore, assessed the physicochemical properties of water and sediments in Ikpoba and Ogba Rivers, Edo State, Nigeria, following standard procedures. The results obtained from the study showed that most of the analysed samples were within the safe limits recommended by the WHO. The values for the physicochemical properties of the water samples from both rivers were also within the permissible limits, except for pH (5.7 - 6.6) and dissolved oxygen (2.73 - 6.32mg/l), when values were compared with WHO recommendations. The results from the study also showed observed trends in the results of the various parameters determined by the seasons. Statistical analysis revealed the absence of significant differences (p < 0.05) between the physicochemical and WHO recommendations for water and sediments from both rivers with very few exceptions. It was then recommended that periodic monitoring and assessment of water and sediments in the study area be carried out.