Inter-relationship between major ions, total dissolved solids and conductivity in some

Abstract

Major ions, total dissolved solids (T. D. S.), conductivity and their inter-relationships were investigated in eight fish ponds located in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Chloride concentrations were the least of all the measured. Sulphate and magnesium concentrations were highest in station 7 while other parameters (potassium, chloride, calcium, alkalinity, conductivity and total dissolved solids (T. D. S.)) were highest in station 6. The ponds belong to class 1 of the African waters since they all have electrical conductance of less than 600 s cm-1. Highest conductivity values were recorded between March and May and thereafter values dropped gradually until the end of the investigation in August. Very high positive correlations existed between the summation of the total cations and anions, suggesting a direct relationship between the measured ions. Similarly, high and positive correlations existed between the total ions and electrical conductance and between total dissolved solids (T. D. S.) and conductivity of the pond waters, also suggesting that increase in total ions still results in the increasing level of total dissolved solids (T. D. S.) and electrical conductance. These inter-relationships are used to explain the contributive role of each ion to the total dissolved solids (T. D. S.) and conductivity levels of a tropical fish pond.

Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Volume , No 1 January (2001) pp. 29-32



KEY WORDS:

Major ions, Conductivity, Tropical Fish Ponds.