Assessment of Industrial Water Pollution Level in Awun River Basin, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Water quality degradation is a major problem in watershed. Physicochemical and bacteriological tests were carried out on water samples within the Awun basin to determine the level of pollution. Three samples were taken from three different locations by random sampling along the river channels and were analysed in the Laboratory. The pH, Turbidity, colour conductance, ionic constituents, heavy metals, bacteriological and other water parameters tests were conducted. Results showed that Lead and Zinc were major parameters higher than the maximum acceptable value of Nigerian FEPA (Federal Environmental Protection Agency) and the WHO
(World Health Organization) for effluent discharge into surface water. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference. It was recommended that the river water should be treated before being used for domestic purposes