Assessment of water quality in river Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

The study looked at the water quality of the River Kaduna using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Water Quality Index. The study covered both raining and dry seasons in 10 sampling points. Water parameters analyzed were turbidity. Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, TDS and Ni using standard laboratory techniques. The data obtained were used to develop Water Quality Index (WQI) across the 10 sampling points. The WQI reveals that the water quality at Barnawa, Kudenda, Tudun Wada, Makera and Anguwn Muazu were poor as their index values ranged between 31.8 – 42 while the other locations Kawo, Anguwun Dosa, Malali, Kigo and Anguwn Rimi were marginal as their index ranged between 45 – 61.3. It is recommended that pollution be controlled at the source.