Assessment of the physico-chemical characteristics and elemental properties of water and sediments from Owan river in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The water quality of Owan river, a very important river in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria was assessed. American Public Health Association (APHA) standard analytical procedures for water and sediment samples were used. Elemental composition of the sediment samples were determined by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDXRF). Results obtained were statistically analysed (basic descriptive). In water, concentrations (mg/L) of nitrate—(2.65–21.55), sulphate—(58.6–80.0), calcium\u2009—(3.21–8.60), dissolved oxygen (5.5–6.53), total hardness (12.60–42.0), alkalinity (32.0–50.5), Cd (0.01), Cr (0.1–0.15), As (0.01–0.05), and Zn (1.4–2.04), electrical conductivity (32.0–38.0 µS/cm) and pH (6.10–6.85) were within environmental standards. However, Fe and Pb were slightly above the standards. In the sediment samples, Al, Si, Fe, and K are the most abundant elements. The highest values were detected as follows: Al—8.09 (SW7), Si—25.08 (SW5), Fe—16.72 (SW6), and K—2.1 (SW7). Urgent checks and monitoring by relevant agencies, government representatives, public health practitioners, and community leaders are required.