Physicochemical quality, potentially toxic elements characterization investigation of seasonal changes in quality parameters of Ladokun river water and its fitness for irrigation purposes

Abstract

In the present investigation an attempt was made for the assessment of Ladokun river water fitness for irrigation purpose. Samples of Ladokun river water were collected during the dry and wet seasons and data gotten were analyzed for various parameters. The results indicated that total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), potassium (K⁺), sodium (Na⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), phosphate (PO_3-P), sulphate (SO₄^2-), nitrate (NO_3-N) and bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) were within the recommended limits set for irrigation water standard, however, the hydrogen potential(pH) range was slightly acidulous in the dry season but more alkaline during the wet season. The water quality indicators, including magnesium absorption ratio (MAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), total hardness (TH), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), permeability Index (PI), potential salinity (PS) and kelly’s ratio (KR) were all within safe limits for both seasons. Ultimately, the findings indicate that Ladokun river water is suitable for irrigation purposes, and farmers in the area can use it to grow their crops without ominous effects, although, continuous monitoring of water quality is essential to ensure that it remains within safe limits, and appropriate measures should be taken to address any issues that may spring up.