Analytical Studies on Water Quality Index of River Landzu

Abstract

Problem statement: River Landzu is of particular importance in the study of surface water pollution because effluents from cottage industries, municipal sewage, agricultural and urban run-off are discharged into it bringing about considerable change in the water quality. Approach: This study aimed at using the application of Water Quality Index (WQI) in evaluating the quality of River Landzu for public usage. This was done by subjecting the 120 water samples collected to comprehensive physicochemical analysis using APHA standard methods of analysis. Results: The WQI for the samples was 171.85. The high value of WQI had been found mainly from the higher values of iron, chromium and manganese, COD and turbidity. The results of the analysis when compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) permissible limit indicated that the river was polluted and so the water is not safe for domestic use and would need further treatment. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated application of water quality index in estimating/understanding the quality of river water and appeared to be promising in the field of water quality management.