Water is essential for the survival of all forms of life, and so ensuring access to good quality water is necessary to prevent diseases and improve the quality of human life. This study was aimed at assessing the water quality of Argungu River in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from upstream, midstream, and downstream of the river and subjected to physicochemical, heavy metal, and microbial analyses using standard procedures. The physicochemical analysis showed that the temperature and pH of the water samples were within the World Health Organization’s acceptable limits, but not so for the total suspended solids, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen. The heavy metal analysis revealed that iron, cadmium, and lead were above the WHO permissible levels, but zinc and chromium were normal. The microbiological analysis indicated non-permissible levels of Bacillus spp. (bacteria), Trychophyton tonsuran (fungi), Candida albican (fungi), and Escherichia coli (coliforms). The results obtained suggest that River Argungu’s water may not be safe for drinking, bathing, and domestic use unless treated. Agencies in charge of water safety in the town should put in place measures to ensure the safety of the River Argungu’s water.
Key words: Bacillus spp., biochemical oxygen demand, cadmium, heavy metals, pH
|
