Baseline limnological investigation of the Utor River in Esan Southeast, Edo State, Southern Nigeria: I. Physical and chemical hydrology

Abstract

The Utor River is a pristine ecosystem remote from the current wave of urbanization and industrialization. This baseline study of a 2.5km stretch of the river describes its physical and chemical environment. The Utor River is oligotrophic, relatively acidic, well oxygenated, and low in solids, conductivity, cations and heavy metals. All the physical and chemical conditions except water level and iron (Pb) were significantly similar in the four sampling stations. The environmental conditions studied have been discussed in relation to the drainage characteristics, rainfall regime, potability, equivalent ecosystems and general water quality standards.

Keywords: Utor River, water quality, seasonal dynamics

Tropical Freshwater Biology 2003/2004 Vol. 12/13: 45-62