Studies on the physico-chemical characteristics and nutrients of a tropical rainforest river in southeast Nigeria

Investigation of the variations in fifteen physico-chemical variables and three nutrients inthree stations along Ikpa River, Nigeria were conducted between March 2009 and February 2010. All theparameters measured showed significantly different (p<0.05) spatial and temporal (monthly andseasonally) variability, except transparency and pH (p>0.05). Coefficient of variation (%CV) depictedthat all the variables varied widely (1.86-68.16%) except total suspended solids and pH. Someparameters showed significant, insignificant and no relationships when the data was subjected toPearson correlation coefficient analysis and depending on the period of predominance, they wereclassified as dry, wet, and non-seasonal climax parameters. Parameters such as TDS, TSS, DO, BOD sub>5,TA, TH, FCO2, transparency and pH, fell within the range of World Health Organization (WHO) standardfor potable drinking water, and adequate for sustaining living aquatic organisms. Of the nutrients, PO sub>4-Pand NO sub>3-N were higher, while SO4 2- was lower than standards for drinking water. The high nutrientlevels render the water quality poor, indicating need for protection from further nutrient load inputs.