Investigation of the Quality of Physicochemical Parameters in Water Samples From Qua Iboe River, Ikot Ekpene Stretch, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Water, whether used for the purpose of drinking, irrigation, domestic purposes, has an important impact on health. Although pollution can occur naturally, it is anthropogenic (man-induced) pollution that creates more problems. These activities include agriculture, fishing, sand mining, boating, industrial and automobile works, transportation of all forms and a host of other activities carried out by man to solve his social and economic problems. These activities are capable of causing severe damage to the aquatic environment. Standard methods were used to assess the physicochemical parameters in water samples from Qua Iboe River, Ikot Ekpene stretch, Akwa Ibom State. The levels of physicochemical parameters determined across the sampling locations were higher at the location (Afaha Ikot Ebak) with tremendous human activities and lowest at the location (Uwa) with the least human activities. Physicochemical parameters obtained across the sampling locations showed an increase with levels of human activities across the sampling locations. Although the levels of all the parameters determined were within UNICEF and WHO (2008) permissible limits, they were higher at locations with tremendous human activities. The sustainability of the studied river for use by the present and future generations demands routine monitoring to prevent escalation beyond tolerability limits given by regulatory bodies.