Seasonal Fluctuations of Physicochemical Characteristics of Selected Wetlands of Kogi State, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

This study is aimed at determining the physicochemical characteristics of selected wetlands of Kogi State. From each sampled wetlands (Abu’ja and Egwubi), surface water was collected and examined for the following physicochemical parameters: hydrogen ion concentration, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and temperature (0C) using Hanna meter. Dissolved oxygen was determined using dissolved oxygen meter. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 20.0, Paleontological Statistics version 3.14 and Microsoft Office. Physicochemical parameters studied were not normally distributed from test of normality. They were compared using Man-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H nonparametric tests for comparisons between two and more than two groups respectively. In Abu’ja wetland, the temperature for all the months were similar except for January and December which were significantly cooler (p < 0.05); pH was similarly constant except for January and August (p < 0.05). Dissolved solids ranged from 95 to 118 ppm with similar values between months except in March. Mean electrical conductivity ranged from 0.15 to 0.22 ms/cm. These values were similar between months in Abu’ja. Significant fluctuation occurred in dissolved oxygen on monthly basis. In Egwubi study station, temperature ranged from 20oC to 31 oC, significant difference occurred between January and May and between September and November (p < 0.05), pH was also similar between months. Dissolved solids ranged from 26 to 90 ppm. Electrical conductivity ranged from 0.2 to 0.14 ms/cm. Significant differences only occurred between April and August (p < 0.05). Dissolved oxygen was similar throughout the study period. Our result indicated that the essential minerals and other physiochemical parameters are widely distributed but some are not within the normal range of portable water for humans. Both study wetlands showed low pollution, organic waste in Abu'ja site may be handled by autochthonous bacteria and through self purification of the water body. Nutrient levels are high in wetland habitats as wetlands have rich biomes and support high level of biodiversity. The water is suitable for irrigation and livestock consumption.  The presence of the plankton is a pointer to the fact that the two wetlands possess adequate water quality for establishment of great biodiversity.