Assessment of urban storm runoff water quality in Lugbe, Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed urban storm runoff water quality of areas in different landuses in Lugbe a suburban community within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT. Seven different landuses were selected and classified; twelve rainfall events were monitored between July and November 2015. Four storm runoff water samples were collected for each sampling day: three were for Physico-chemical parameters, heavy metals and  microbiological parameters while the fourth sample was for sediment analysis. Standard laboratory and field procedures were used in collecting and analyzing the storm runoff water. Results of storm runoff water quality show significant differences in the storm runoff water quality amongst the landuses. The unplanned residential, high way and commercial landuse had the highest values for heavy metals while the least is recorded in the planned residential. The physico-chemical parameters were generally low except for the total suspended sediment and turbidity that were high. The unplanned residential had the highest TSS of 4183mg/l and a turbidity of 670.41FTU while the least values were recorded in the planned  residential and high way. The results of the microbial parameters for all land uses on average basis were above SON and WHO Permissible limits of 0 cfu/100ml.. We can therefore conclude that landuse type affects storm runoff water quality. Consequently, pollution is eminent and this portents health challenges to communities downstream. There is a need for proper waste management, improved drainage with good connectivity and public enlightenment on the health risks in order to achieve a suitable public health.

Keywords: Storm runoff water, Landuse, Water quality