ISSN 2348-1218 (print) International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations ISSN 2348-1226 (online) Vol. 9, Issue 3, pp: (52-58), Month: July - September 2021, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
ASSESSMENT OF SOME HEAVY METALS AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF THE STREAMS AND WETLAND OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA NIGERIA Okeke Patrick A1., Evulobi Onyedikachi O.C1., Nwankwo, Chidimma G1., Amuneke, Kennedy E1., Uzoeto Ifeanyi1 1
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. *
Correspondent author’s email: oc.evulobi@unizik.edu.ng. Tel: +2347036775852.
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±3.109 oC.; 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.
1. INTRODUCTION Around 71% of the earth's surface is covered in water (Hynes, 2000). 97% of this water on the Earth is found in seas and oceans and only 3% is freshwater with slightly over two thirds of this freshwater frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps (United States Geological Survey,USGS, 2009). The remaining unfrozen freshwater is found mainly as groundwater, with only a small fraction of surface water readily accessible for beneficial purposes (Jannat et al., 2019). Water can be obtained from surface water sources such as freshwater, lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater sources (Kiros et al, 2021). Streams and wetlands represent surface water which are easily accessed and provide around 78% of the fresh water for human consumption including drinking.
Page | 52 Research Publish Journals