ABSTRACT

This study involved the analysis of the physico-chemical and biological properties of the Ntushi river in Olokoro, Umuahia South L.G.A of Abia state. Water Samples were collected at three different points in the river (Upstream, Middlestream and downstream). The samples were collected using a plastic container and poured into 1.5 liters BOD bottles and stored in an air tight condition free from interaction with the atmosphere and taken to the laboratory for its physicochemical and biological analysis. The water quality were generally assessed by a range of parameters which express Physical, chemical and biological composition of water. Some of the Physico-chemical parameters of the water determined includes; temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), odour, colour and some other Physico-chemical Properties as listed in table 4.1 Some of the water quality instruments used for carrying out this analysis includes; pH meter, spectrometer, desiccator, filter paper, autoclave, thermometer, buffer solution and reagents. The water quality of Ntushi River was assessed using WHO standard. Results obtained, showed that all the sections (upstream, downstream and upstream) of the river's physicho-chemical determine except pH and iron passed the minimum requirement for domestic purposes as given by WHO. The bio-load results showed a total heterotrophic bacteria count ranging from 2.6 x iO4to 4.2 x iO4cfulml while total coliform count ranged from 1.2 x 1 4 to 2.3x 1 O cfulml indicating a high level of water pollution.