Evaluation of Water Quality Index Using Physicochemical Characteristics of Ogbor River in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate water quality index (WQI) of Ogbor River, a freshwater system flowing through the commercial city of Aba, Southern Nigeria using selected physicochemical parameters. The levels of the physicochemical parameters were determined using standard analytical procedures in the Laboratory. The values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Excel spreadsheet (Version 16).Water Quality index was calculated using mean values of the selected nine parameters and the World Health Organisation standard for drinking water. The result of physicochemical parameters used showed that Dissolved Oxygen (DO) with mean 4.44 ± 0.70 mg/L, and Nitrate (NO₃- ) with mean 7.58 ± 6.25 mg/L were below National and International standards. The value of WQI calculated was 83.05. The result revealed that Ogbor River water quality was very poor, so it is unfit for human consumption, and should be treated to avoid water related diseases.

Keywords: Characteristics, Evaluation, Ogbor River, Physicochemical, Water Quality Index