Abstract

This study investigates and characterizes the water quality and enunciated the level of pollution pattern due to high commercial activities along the river bank of the Niger River in Lokoja Town, Nigeria, a crucial water source in the region. The significant role in the local ecosystem and as a vital resource for domestic and agricultural needs presents a complex environmental study. Analyzing water quality is a key aspect of surface water investigations since it has directly influenced the level of pollution and overall ecosystem health. The study utilizes a combination of the Water Quality Index (WQI), multivariate statistical analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approaches. Twenty water samples from various locations were collected along the river to assess the water quality parameters. The study focused on a range of parameters including pH, total dissolved solid (TDS), Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4, HCO3, CO3, NO3, and Trace elements (Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, Cd, and Zn) to understand the physio-chemical characteristics of the river. These elements play a critical role in determining the estuarine water environment of the Niger River. Our findings indicate that the majority of the samples fall within the fair to good water quality range, as per WHO-permitted standards. However, variations in water quality were observed with poor water quality parameters, particularly in the midstream to downstream zones of the river, where anthropogenic activities have a more pronounced impact on water quality. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and prudent management of water resources in the Niger River Basin to safeguard its quality for the diverse needs of the local population.

Key words: Niger River, Trace elements, WQI, GIS, Multivariate statistics.