Abstract: Streams and wetlands are important sources of water for fish farming in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (Unizik). Therefore, this study assessed the levels of some physicochemical parameters of water quality of the stream and wetland of Unizik using six different sampling stations. The water samples analyzed for physicochemical parameters: dissolved oxygen (mg/L), Conductivity (µS/cm), total dissolved solid (mg/l), pH, Temperature oC, Cadmium (mg/l), Copper (mg/l), Iron (mg/l), Lead (mg/l) and Zinc (mg/l) using standard methods. The results were compared with the standard values set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The results showed that the physicochemical concentrations of water samples from the streams and wetland were in the range of: dissolved oxygen, 5.23 ± 2.8 to 11.24 ± 0.23(mg/l); conductivity, 37.67 ± 0.58 to 183.67±2.08(µs/cm); pH, 8.21±0.22 to 10.07±1.7; temperature, 28.93±0.47 to 33.97±3.109oC.; Total dissolved solid, 20±0.00-130±2.3; Cadmium, 0.11±0.06 to 0.22±0.02(mg/l); Copper, 2.50±0.71 to 16.60±0.28(mg/l); Iron, 0.00±0.00 to 1.40±0.14(mg/l); Lead, 0.00±0.00 to 1.20±0.12(mg/l), and Zinc, 6.00±0.28 to 8.60±0.85(mg/l). This study revealed that most of the physicochemical parameter of the streams and wetland in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka were found to be within the recommended limits of WHO while the heavy metals: cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc have levels higher than the maximum limits. Therefore, the stream and wetland in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka may be suitable for aquaculture if properly treated for to reduce these heavy metals. Further studies and constant monitoring should be conducted on the Unizik streams and wetland and on the fish cultured with these waters.
Keywords: Assessment, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Physicochemical Parameters Streams, Wetland.
Title: ASSESSMENT OF SOME HEAVY METALS AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF THE STREAMS AND WETLAND OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA NIGERIA
Author: Okeke Patrick A., Evulobi Onyedikachi O.C., Nwankwo, Chidimma G., Amuneke, Kennedy E., Uzoeto Ifeanyi
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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