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Temporal and Spatial Physico-Chemical Parameters of River Galma, Zaria,

Kaduna State, Nigeria

Article · August 2015

DOI: 10.5923/j.re.20150504.02

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Resources and Environment 2015, 5(4): 110-123
DOI: 10.5923/j.re.20150504.02

Temporal and Spatial Physico-Chemical Parameters of

River Galma, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Patrick Ozovehe Samuel1,*, John Ameh Adakole2, Bolanle Suleiman2

1
Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
2
Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract Fresh water bodies all over the world are constantly faced with pollution challenges most of which are
anthropogenic in nature. Determination of physico-chemical parameters is one of the many routine practices of determining
the health of the ecosystem and the survivability of the living biota within it. This research focuses on the temporal and spatial
physico-chemical parameters of River Galma. Water samples were collected from five different locations along the river
course from August, 2014 to January, 2015 for the determination of eleven physico-chemical parameters on monthly basis
following standard methods. The results indicate high significance difference (P ˂0.05) in biological oxygen demand,
hardness, alkalinity, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate-phosphorus, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and temperature
of the sampling months with significance difference in dissolved oxygen. There were no significant differences amongst the
sites. Electrical conductivity ranged from mean values of 69.20±3.12µs/cm (January) to 157.80±24.69µs/cm (December), the
dissolved oxygen: 3.05±0.22mg/l (November) to 5.12±0.20mg/l (January). Biological Oxygen Demand: 2.83±0.27mg/l
(December) to 6.37±0.24mg/l (September). Hardness of water: 23.20±4.45mg/l (December) to 177.60±19.71mg/l
(September), Alkalinity: 23.00±2.12mg/l (August) to 48.80±1.66 mg/ml (January). The physico-chemical parameters varied
widely during the months and locations of the samples and sampling sites. With the exception of the electrical conductivity
the physico-chemical parameter were within the acceptable limits. The river is not fit for direct human consumption but it can
be put to other uses. This research should serve as invaluable information to the relevant authority and the scientific world on
the necessary steps to take to check-mate the effects of pollution on River Galma.
Keywords River Galma, Physico-chemical parameters, Xenobiotics, Anthropogenic activities, Acceptable limits

the aquatic environment are temperature, rainfall, pH,

1. Introduction dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide. Others are total
suspended and dissolved solids, total alkalinity and acidity
Water is a natural resource with limited and uneven and heavy metal contaminants. Rivers are waterways of
distribution in time and space. All forms of life and all strategic importance for domestic, industrial and agricultural
human activities are dependent on water. Water resources are purposes (Jain, 2009). As a result, untreated discharge of
of great importance to plants, animals, human life and pollutants to a water resource system from domestic sewers,
economy and are the main source of meeting the demand for storm water discharges, industrial wastewater, agricultural
drinking water, for irrigation of lands and industries. runoff and other sources_ all can have short term and long
The physico-chemical parameters of the river tell much term significant effects on the quality of a river system
about its quality and suitability for both humans and survival (Singh, 2007). The dissolved oxygen is important in the
of the living biota within it. Bellingham (2012) stated that, in natural self-purification capacity of the river (Zeb et al.,
order to mitigate the impact human societies have on natural 2011). BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) is often used as a
waters, it is becoming increasingly important to implement measurement of pollutants in natural and waste waters and to
comprehensive monitoring regimes which will quantify assess the strength of waste, such as sewage and industrial
water quality, identify impairments and help policy makers effluent waters (Zeb et al., 2011). BOD is an important
make land use decisions that will not only preserve natural parameter of water indicating the health scenario of
areas, but improve the quality of life. freshwater bodies (Bhatti and Latif, 2011).
Important physical and chemical parameters influencing Maximum amount of oxygen in clean water is about 9
mg/dm3. Prolonged exposure to low dissolved oxygen levels
* Corresponding author:
[email protected] (Patrick Ozovehe Samuel)
(less than 5 to 6 mg/dm3 oxygen) may not directly kill an
Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/re organism, but will increase its susceptibility to other
Copyright © 2015 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved environmental stresses. Exposure to less than 30% saturation
 Resources and Environment 2015, 5(4): 110-123 111

(less than 2 mg/dm3 oxygen) for one to four days may kill studies have shown there may be a relation between nitrates
most of the aquatic life in a system. presence in water and gastric cancer and
Biochemical Oxygen Demand, or BOD, is a measure of methemoglobinemia (which in infants is often referred to as
the quantity of oxygen consumed by microorganisms during blue baby syndrome).
decomposition of organic matter. BOD is the most Phosphorous is an algal nutrient often contributing to
commonly used parameter for determining the oxygen excessive algal growth and eutrophication (Manahan, 1993).
demand on the receiving water of a municipal or industrial Acid rain, mining waste and industrial discharges are among
discharge. BOD can also be used for evaluation of the some of the factors that can alter the pH of an aquatic
efficiency of treatment processes, and it is an indirect environment.
measure of biodegradable organic compounds in water. High In developing areas and urban centres there are obvious
BOD is an indication of poor water quality. The lower the pollution with high levels of faecal coliforms, heavy metals
BOD the less organic matter is present in water. A high BOD and organic wastes which constitute public health hazards
is often accompanied by a low DO level. (Arimoro et al., 2007; Ladipo et al., 2012). Aquatic
Distribution of temperature is different for surface waters resources are exceptionally valuable natural assets enjoyed
and groundwater. Temperature of surface waters depends by millions of people for domestic purposes, animals,
mainly on water origin, climatic zone, season, altitude, transportation and fish production (Ladipo et al., 2012). The
degree of riparian coverage, inflow of industrial and worldwide deterioration of surface water quality has become
municipal sewage (power plants, industrial cooling). a growing threat to human ecosystems, therefore the need to
Temperature increase decrease the amount of dissolved understand the spatial and temporal variabilities of
oxygen (DO), increase biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), limnological parameters (Adeogun et al., 2012).
acceleration of nitrification and oxidation of ammonia to The River Galma is currently loaded with run-offs from
nitrates (III) and (V) which eventually lead to oxygen deficit agricultural and municipal activities of the surrounding
in water. Higher temperature also increases toxicity of many communities along its course at various adjoining tributaries
substances (pesticides, heavy metals) and susceptibility of (most of which are seasonal); and contain myriads of toxic
organisms to toxicants. pollutants (heavy metals inclusive). There may also be
Alkalinity refers to the capability of water to neutralize contribution of toxic pollutants from the few industrial
acids. Generally, the basic species responsible for alkalinity activities in Chikaji and Dakace areas. River Galma receives
in water are bicarbonate ion, carbonate ion and hydroxide ion, variable levels of pollution from different sources of
whereas pH is an intensity factor, alkalinity is a capacity anthropogenic activities along its banks (Butu and Bichi,
(Manahan, 1993). For protection of aquatic life the buffering 2013). Monitoring of water quality will ensure protection of
capacity should be at least 20 mg/dm3. public health (WHO, 2011), since about 90% of water supply
Conductivity is a measure of the capacity of an aqueous globally comes from large water bodies.
solution to carry an electrical current. Conductivity depends
on the presence of ions (cations and anions) in water, their
total concentration, mobility and valence, and on 2. Materials and Methods
temperature of water.
The hardness of water is the concentration of ions that will Description of Study Area
react with a sodium soap to precipitate an insoluble residue. River Galma is one of the main tributaries of River
Water hardness is the result of dissolved minerals presence, Kaduna. It has its headwaters near the north western edge of
usually total concentration of cations of calcium Ca2+, the Jos Plateau and falls near the Magami village into
magnesium Mg2+, iron Fe3+ and manganese Mn2+. Kaduna plains. The main tributaries of Galma River are
Sulphates are one of the least toxic anions and large Shika River in the middle course and the Rivers Kinkiba and
quantities would have to be ingested in order for health Likarbu in its lower course. The Galma reservoir which is
disorders to occur (especially diarrhoea type symptoms). The popularly called Zaria dam was constructed across the
presence of sulphate in drinking water can result in Galma River in 1975. The major land use in the catchment
noticeable bitter taste. areas is farming and animal rearing. There are also some
Nitrate occurs in water naturally in result of plant or industrial and municipal activities (in the surrounding towns
animal material decomposition, but can also be introduced and villages such as Chikaji, Dakace and Sabon Gari areas)
into water due to human activities, e.g. food production, that produce myriads of wastes that ultimately get to the river
where used as a preservative; use of agricultural fertilizers either in the short- or long-run through run-offs and seepages.
and manure; disposal of domestic and industrial sewage. The few industries are located in Chikaji and Dakace. The
Nitrates stimulate the growth of macrophytes and main tributaries of the river in the sampling areas are all
phytoplankton but simultaneously they make up for the located in the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna
nutrient load in water, leading to eutrophication. Some State (Figure 1).
112 Patrick Ozovehe Samuel et al.: Temporal and Spatial Physico-Chemical
Parameters of River Galma, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Source: Satellite Image (2013).

Figure 1. Map of Zaria and its Environment Showing Study Areas
 Resources and Environment 2015, 5(4): 110-123 113

Sample Location and Collection 1ml Ammonium molybdate reagent (Dennig’s reagent) was
Five (5) sites were selected along the river. The first site added and followed by 1 drop of stannous chloride. It was
was located at Shika Reservoir (Zaria Dam). Shika reservoir allowed to stand for 12 minutes and reading was taken at
was used as reference site (control) because it served as the 600nm using the colorimeter 257.
upper course of the river and relatively located far from the Physico-chemical Parameters Analyses
industrial areas and the municipal waste load was also Water samples were collected from the five different sites
relatively low compared with other sites. Other sites were monthly between August, 2014 and January, 2015 and the
located around Kakeyi village (which receives municipal following parameters were analysed:
wastes and effluents from the neighbouring villages and
Water temperature
town such as Sabon Gari), two sites around FCE, Congo
(FCEI and FCEII at about 500 metres apart and FCEI Water temperature at various sites was determined using
receives municipal wastes and effluents, agricultural run-offs mercury-in-glass thermometer which was immersed in water
from some parts of Sabon Gari, Chikaji, Kakeyi and Farin 6 cm below the water surface and left to stabilize for about
Kasa villages. FCEII site receives municipal wastes and five minutes before it was read and recorded. The ambient
effluents, agricultural run-offs from various parts of the town temperature was determined with the thermometer at each
including Tudun Wada, PZ, Congo via the Kubani stream location. The temperature was also determined in the
which adjoins the main stream at this point. Waters from laboratory using Hana instrument (HI98129 Model)_this is a
Kakeyi along the river also joins here); Dakace village at combo device that helps in automated determination of
about 1000 metres apart from FCEII and receives municipal parameters.
and agricultural wastes and effluents from Dakace village Dissolved oxygen
and the few industries located in the area (Figure 1). Farming Water samples were collected with 2L (two litre) plastic
and other agricultural activities take place in both wet and container from each sampling site and transported to the
dry season. The choice of these sites were made base on ease Hydrobiology Laboratory of the Department of Biological
of accessibility. Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for dissolved
Water samples from each site were collected in 2L plastic oxygen analysis. Water samples were transfered into a
containers from each site for physico-chemical parameters 300ml BOD bottle_ Biological Oxygen Demand that is
and nutrients analyses. Water samples meant for dissolved calibrated in millitre (ml) and has the capacity of 300ml. 2ml
oxygen analyses were collected separately from each MnSO4 solution and 2ml alkali-iodide azide reagents were
location and treated with 2ml manganous sulphate at the added, which was then stoppered with care to exclude air
point of collection. bubbles. It was then mixed gently by inverting the bottle a
Nutrient Analyses number of times until a clear supernatant was obtained. It
Water samples were collected from each site with 2L was allowed to settle for two minutes after which 2ml
plastic containers and transported to the Laboratory on concentrated H2SO4 was added by allowing the acid
monthly basis for the following analyses: run-down the neck of the bottle. It was stoppered again and
mixed by gentle inversion until dissolution was complete.
Sulphate determination
100ml of the prepared solution was transferred into a conical
100ml of water sample from each site was transferred into flask and titrated with 0.0125 of Na2S2O3.5H2O solution to a
a conical flask. 1g of BaCl was added and shaken thoroughly pale straw/yellow colour. Prior to this, 2ml of freshly
and then allowed to stand for 3minutes. After this time prepared starch solution was added and the colour changed
reading was taken at 430nm wavelength using the to blue. Titration was continued by adding thiosulphate
colorimeter 257 (This model of the apparatus measures the drop-wise until the blue colour disappeared. Dissolved
absorbance level of the parameter at the wavelength oxygen was determined by modified Winkler-azide method.
indicated above). This was done in duplicate for each site and each month of
Nitrate determination the sampling periods.
Nitrate Nitrogen was determined using Phenoldisulphonic Biological Oxygen Demand
acid method. 100ml of water sample was transferred into a
300ml of water sample was transfered into a 300ml
clean dry metallic crucible and kept in an oven at 100°C till
standard BOD bottle and covered carefully to exclude air
dryness. It was then removed and allowed to cool after which
bubbles. The bottles were then kept in an incubator for five
2ml of phenol disulphonic acid was added and swirled round
days. After five days in the incubator, the bottles were
uniformly. It was then left to stand for 10 minutes and 10ml
brought out and 2ml manganous sulphate solution was added
distilled water added. After this, 5ml ammonia solution was
followed by 2ml alkali-iodide azide reagent. The bottle was
added and allowed to cool. Absorbance was read at 430nm
stoppered carefully to exclude air bubbles and then mixed
wavelength using the colorimeter 257.
thoroughly by inverting the bottle several times. The
Phosphate-phosphorus determination precipitate was allowed to settle leaving clear supernatant
100ml of water sample was transferred into a conical flask. after which 2ml concentrated H2SO4 was added. The solution
114 Patrick Ozovehe Samuel et al.: Temporal and Spatial Physico-Chemical
Parameters of River Galma, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

was titrated with 0.0125N of sodium thiosulphate solution The nitrate mean values ranged from 0.66±0.16mg/l
until the blue colour disappeared. The BOD was calculated (Dakace) to 0.74±0.19mg/l (Kakeyi).
using the formular: (BOD)5 in mg/l = DO1-DO5. The sulphate values ranged from 0.12±0.03mg/l (FCEII)
pH to 0.16±0.05mg/l (Shika dam). There was gradual decrease
in sulphate levels from Shika dam to FCEII.
The pH was determined using Hana instrument (HI98129 The phosphate-phosphorus mean values ranged from
Model) in the Laboratory. 0.09±0.03mg/l (FCEI) to 0.15±0.05mg/l (Dakace).
Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solid Total dissolved solid had the lowest value of
40.67±2.17ppm in Shika dam while the highest value of
Hana instrument (HI98129) was used to measure the
67.33±11.35 ppm was obtained in Dakace.
conductivity and total dissolved solids of the water samples.
Electrical conductivity ranged from 82.33±4.5 µs/cm
The power key and the conductivity key/TDS (Total
(Shika dam) to 134.17±23.08 µs/cm (Dakace).
Dissolved Solids) meter were switched on. The probe was
The pH values ranged from 7.94±0.26 (Kakeyi) to
dipped into the water and the stable reading on the meter
8.63±0.47 (Shika dam).
recorded in µs/L for the electrical conductivity and parts per
The temperature ranged from 22.00±1.90ºC (Dakace) to
million (ppm) for the total dissolved solid.
22.67±1.98 ºC (FCEII). (Table 1).
Total Alkalinity From ANOVA and DMRT analysis the results indicate
100ml of water sample was transferred into a conical flask. significant difference in dissolved oxygen (P<0.05) amongst
Then, 2 drops of bromocresol green and 2 drops of methyl the sampling months. There were high significance
red were added respectively. The mixture was swirled and differences in biological oxygen demand, hardness,
titrated with solution of H2SO4 until colour changed. Total alkalinity, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate-phosphorus, total
alkalinity in CaCO3 mg/l was determined by: Titre value ×10. dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and temperature of
Total alkalinity was determined by titration method. the sampling months. There was no significant difference in
pH of the sampling months.
Total Hardness The dissolved oxygen ranged from 3.05±0.22 mg/l
25ml of distilled water was added to 25ml of water sample (November) to 5.12±0.20mg/l (January).
collected from the sampling points. 2ml buffer solution of While the Biological Oxygen Demand ranged from
pH 10.4 was then added; followed by addition of 0.1g 2.83±0.27mg/l (December) to 6.37±0.24mg/l (September).
Erochrome black T dye. It was titrated with EDTA titrant The lowest mean value of Total Hardness of water was
(0.01Molar). The titrant value was multiplied by 40, as recorded in December with 23.20±4.45mg/l while the
CaCo3/L. highest was found in September with 177.60±19.71mg/l.
Data Analysis Total Alkalinity mean values range from 23.00±2.12mg/l
(August) to 48.80±1.66mg/l (January). There was a gradual
One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by increase in the trend of mean values of water samples from
Duncan Multiple Range (DMRT) test was used to determine August, 2014 to January, 2015.
the differences between the sampling sites and months using The nitrate mean values ranged from 0.03±0.0mg/l
SPSS IBM (Version 20 for window) statistical package at (December) to 1.11±0.04mg/l (October). There was an
P<0.05 level of significance. increase in nitrate levels from August to October.
The sulphate values ranged from 0.05±0.01mg/l (January)
3. Results and Discussions to 0.24±0.01mg/l (August). There was a gradual decrease in
sulphate levels from August to October.
From ANOVA and DMRT analysis the results indicate no The phosphate-phosphorus mean values ranged from
significant difference amongst the sampling locations. The 0.01±0.01mg/l (January) to 0.20±0.01mg/l (September).
dissolved oxygen ranged from 3.46±0.55mg/l (Kakeyi) to Total dissolved solid had the lowest value of
4.74±0.35mg/l (Dakace). 33.40±1.25ppm in August while the highest value of
While the Biological Oxygen Demand ranged from 78.20±12.18ppm was obtained in December.
3.67±0.56mg/l (Kakeyi) to 4.28±0.27mg/l (Shika dam). Electrical conductivity ranged from 69.20±3.12 µs/cm
The lowest mean value Total Hardness of water was (January) to 157.80±24.69 µs/cm (December).
recorded in FCEII with 72.67±21.27mg/l while the highest The pH values ranged from 7.58±0.09 (October) to
was found in Kakeyi with 115.67±29.35mg/l. 8.76±0.11 (September).
Total Alkalinity mean values range from 30.75±2.94mg/l The temperature ranged from 14.00±0.32ºC (January) to
(Shika Dam) to 37.33±5.86mg/l (FCEII). 26.00±0.00ºC (December). (Table 2, Figures 2-12).
 Table 1. Comparison of the Physico-Chemical Parameters Sampling locations in River Galma

Sites
Physico-Chemical Parameters Total P value
Shika dam Kakeyi FCEI FCEII Dakace
DO(mg/l) 4.50±0.59a 3.46±0.55a 3.67±0.34a 4.08±0.47a 4.74±0.35a 4.09±0.22 0.294ns
BOD(mg/l) 4.28±0.27a 3.67±0.56a 3.92±0.70a 3.93±0.57a 4.05±0.65a 3.97±0.24 0.961ns
Hardness(mg/l) 93.00±31.90a 115.67±29.35a 93.67±33.20a 72.67±21.27a 83.33±24.58a 91.67±12.09 0.866ns
Alkalinity(mg/l) 30.75±2.94a 32.67±4.66a 34.42±4.57a 37.33±5.86a 36.58±5.81a 34.35±2.08 0.868ns
Nitrate(mg/l) 0.67±0.16a 0.74±0.19a 0.73±0.19a 0.65±0.17a 0.66±0.16a 0.69±0.07 0.994ns
Sulphate(mg/l) 0.16±0.05a 0.15±0.03a 0.14±0.03a 0.12±0.03a 0.15±0.03a 0.14±0.02 0.957ns
Phosphate-phosphorus(mg/l) 0.10±0.04a 0.12±0.04a 0.09±0.03a 0.12±0.04a 0.15±0.05a 0.12±0.02 0.835ns
Total Dissolved Solid (ppm) 40.67±2.17a 53.75±4.84a 56.33±7.20a 65.83±10.52a 67.33±11.35a 56.78±3.77 0.159ns
Electrical Conductivity(µs/cm) 82.33±4.53a 107.25±8.21a 112.17±13.98a 133.92±21.04a 134.17±23.08a 113.97±7.50 0.152ns
pH 8.63±0.47a 7.94±0.26a 8.16±0.20a 8.15±0.28a 8.12±0.22a 8.20±0.13 0.590ns
Temp.(ºC) 22.08±2.09a 22.50±1.93a 22.17±1.85a 22.67±1.98a 22.00±1.90a 22.28±0.81 0.999ns

Table 2. Comparison of the Physico-Chemical Parameters of Months of Sampling in River Galma

Months
Physico-Chemical Parameters Total P value
August September October November December January

DO(mg/l) 4.23±0.45ab 5.08±0.30a 3.32±0.61b 3.05±0.22b 3.73±0.54b 5.12±0.20a 4.09±0.22 0.005*

BOD(mg/l) 3.80±0.22b 6.37±0.24a 3.48±0.45bc 3.26±0.25bc 2.83±0.27c 4.07±0.33b 3.97±0.24 0.000**

Hardness(mg/l) 57.60± 17.37bc 177.60±19.71a 146.80± 7.97a 90.40±28.78b 23.20±4.45c 54.40±18.53bc 91.67± 12.09 0.000**
Resources and Environment 2015, 5(4): 110-123

Alkalinity(mg/l) 23.00±2.12d 26.10±0.75d 29.20± 2.39cd 36.00±4.09bc 43.00±5.50ab 48.80±1.66a 34.35± 2.08 0.000**

Nitrate(mg/l) 0.89±0.06b 1.07±0.08a 1.11±0.04a 0.41±0.03d 0.03±0.01e 0.62±0.01c 0.69±0.07 0.000**

Sulphate(mg/l) 0.24±0.01a 0.22±0.02a 0.13±0.01b 0.17±0.01b 0.05±0.02c 0.05±0.01c 0.14±0.02 0.000**

Phosphate-phosphorus (mg/l) 0.19±0.01a 0.20±0.01a 0.14±0.02ab 0.06±0.02bc 0.09±0.06bc 0.01±0.01a 0.12±0.02 0.000**

Total Dissolved Solid (ppm) 33.40±1.25d 62.20±6.78abc 44.70± 2.27cd 68.00±9.18ab 78.20±12.18a 54.20±2.08bcd 56.78± 3.77 0.002**

Electrical Conductivity (µs/cm) 69.20±3.12e 116.30± 12.25abc 89.70± 5.04cd 139.20±18.08ab 157.80± 24.69a 111.60±5.66bcd 113.97± 7.50 0.002**

pH 8.18±0.69ab 8.76±0.11a 7.58±0.09b 8.36±0.10ab 7.90±0.09ab 8.41±0.18ab 8.20±0.13 0.133ns

Temp.(ºC) 25.20±0.20b 25.50±0.22ab 26.00±0.00a 23.80±0.20c 19.20±0.37d 14.00±0.32e 22.28± 0.81 0.000**

Mean value with the same alphabet are not significantly different from each other.
115
116 Patrick Ozovehe Samuel et al.: Temporal and Spatial Physico-Chemical
Parameters of River Galma, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

300

250

200
Hardness (mg/l)

Shika dam
150 Kakeyi
FCEI
100
FCEII
Dakace
50

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 2. Total Hardness values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling

7
Biological Oxygen Demand (mg/L)

5
Shika dam
4 Kakeyi
3 FCEI
FCEII
2
Dakace
1

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 3. Biological Oxygen Demand values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling
 Resources and Environment 2015, 5(4): 110-123 117

5
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)

4 Shika dam
Kakeyi
3
FCEI
FCEII
2
Dakace
1

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 4. Dissolved Oxygen values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling

1.6

1.4

1.2

1
Nitrate (mg/L)

Shika dam
0.8 Kakeyi
FCEI
0.6
FCEII
0.4 Dakace

0.2

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 5. Nitrate values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling
118 Patrick Ozovehe Samuel et al.: Temporal and Spatial Physico-Chemical
Parameters of River Galma, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

70

60

50
Alkalinity (mg/l)

40 Shika dam
Kakeyi
30
FCEI

20 FCEII
Dakace
10

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 6. Alkalinity values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling

0.4

0.35
Phosphate Phosphorus (mg/L)

0.3

0.25
Shika dam
0.2 Kakeyi

0.15 FCEI
FCEII
0.1
Dakace
0.05

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 7. Phosphate-phosphorus values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling
 Resources and Environment 2015, 5(4): 110-123 119

0.35

0.3

0.25
Sulphate (mg/L)

0.2 Shika dam

Kakeyi
0.15
FCEI
0.1 FCEII
Dakace
0.05

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 8. Sulphate values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling

250

200
Electrical Conductivity (µS)

150
Shika dam
Kakeyi
100 FCEI
FCEII
Dakace
50

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 9. Electrical Conductivity values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling
120 Patrick Ozovehe Samuel et al.: Temporal and Spatial Physico-Chemical
Parameters of River Galma, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

120

100
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)

80
Shika dam
60 Kakeyi
FCEI
40 FCEII
Dakace
20

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 10. Total Dissolved Solid values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling

30

25

20
Temperature (°C)

Shika dam
15 Kakeyi
FCEI
10
FCEII
Dakace
5

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 11. Temperature values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling
 Resources and Environment 2015, 5(4): 110-123 121

12

10

Shika dam
6
pH

Kakeyi
FCEI
4 FCEII
Dakace
2

0
August September October November December January
Months of Sampling

Figure 12. pH values of water samples from River Galma amongst the sites and months of sampling

4. Discussions altered parameters of the river would have a toll on the

aquatic biota of River Galma. For instance Imam and
The aquatic environment has undergone changes over the Balarabe (2012) showed how physicochemical fluctuations
years due to discharge of pollutants into the environment (in temperature, pH and TDS) had negative impact on the
which are either washed directly into the river body through zooplankton species richness and abundance. Also, the water
run-off during rainfall or through seepages which get to the quality of rivers, streams and lakes changes with the seasons
river body in the long-run. This constant loading of the river and this has profound influence on the population density of
body can lead to serious changes in both physical and aquatic plants and animals (Lawson, 2011; Adeyemo et al.,
chemical constituents of the river and hence, pose a serious 2008).
threat to the living biota within it. The high significance The lowest mean value of dissolved oxygen was obtained
differences in biological oxygen demand, hardness, in Kakeyi (3.46±0.55). This may have been as a result of
alkalinity, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate-phosphorus, total high municipal discharge from the neighbouring Sabon Gari
dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, temperature; and town as various dump sites were observed during the period
significance difference observed in dissolved oxygen with no of the study. This site is probably the first major recipient of
significant difference in the pH of the sampling months may the anthropogenic influence and effect on the river body. The
have been due to the presence of xenobiotics that have effect of waste discharge on a surface water source is largely
rendered the living organisms vulnerable. Slightly similar determined by the oxygen balance of the system and its
report was given by Adeyemi (2011) when he observed that presence is essential in maintaining biological life within a
the correlation matrix for physico-chemical parameters system (DFID, 1999). Dissolved oxygen concentrations in
revealed that there was no significant difference between unpolluted water normally range between 8 and 10 mg/L and
Temperature, pH and Conductivity with a significant concentrations below 5 mg/L adversely affect aquatic life
difference between Temperature, TDS, pH and Conductivity (DFID, 1999; Rao, 2005). DO standard for drinking purpose
in the three sampling points. Similar results were also is 6 mg/L whereas for sustaining fish and aquatic life is 4-5
obtained by Fadaeifard et al. (2012) when they observed mg/L (Rao, 2005). Judging from the results in comparison
significant differences in some water factors such as total with these standards River Galma can be said to be polluted
hardness, total dissolved solid, total suspended solid, COD, and therefore not fit for direct human consumption without
BOD5, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrite, nitrate and total treatment. However, the river may not pose serious threat to
ammonia between inlet and outlet water of fish farms where the survival of the aquatic biota and may be used for other
as there were no significant changes in pH, sodium chloride domestic activities.
and water temperatures indicative of the effects of fish farm The highest values of hardness of water obtained in
effluents on stream water quality. It is well known that these Kakeyi, highest total alkalinity mean values in FCEII and
122 Patrick Ozovehe Samuel et al.: Temporal and Spatial Physico-Chemical
Parameters of River Galma, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

highest nitrate values obtained in Kakeyi may amongst many The water temperature obtained within the sampling
other reasons (such as given above for Kakeyi site) as result period were from 14.00±0.32ºC (January) to 26.00±0.00°C
of agricultural run-off from fertilizer and other agricultural (December). This may not pose any danger to the aquatic
applications which are washed off during rainfall into the organisms. The cool harmattan wind experienced in January
river body. This may also explain why there were lower may have led to the low temperature which increased wave
mean values of water hardness and nitrates in the month of action. Temperature of the water is probably the most
December when the dry season has set in, in contrast to the important environmental variable since it affects metabolic
highest mean values obtained in the months of October and activities, growth, feeding, reproduction, distribution and
September respectively because unpolluted natural waters migratory behaviours of aquatic organisms (Suski et al.,
usually contain only minute amounts of nitrate (Jaji et al., 2006). Oniye et al. (2002) made similar observation for Zaria
2007). Also, while rainfall may dilute and weaken the effects dam. Also, similar report was obtained by Ahamefula et al.
of point source pollution, it also increases the contribution of (2014) when they observed that the air temperature ranged
non-point sources or diffuse pollution through land runoff between 26.3 and 28.0°C while water temperature was
from agricultural fields and leaches from refuse dumps (Jaji between 28.3 and 31.0°C; and Conductivity, pH and salinity
et al., 2007). Nitrate and phosphates normally give an had values ranging from 23.4 to 31.7 mScm-1, 8.0 to 8.3, and
indication of the nutrient level in the study area. Elevated 14.6‰ to 20.1‰ respectively.
concentration of phosphorus may result in fouling of natural
water and production of toxic cyanobacteria (Omaka,
2007).While the gradual increase in the alkalinity mean 5. Conclusions
values from August to January may be as a result of decrease
in water level and increased concentration of chemicals The physico -chemical parameters of River Galma varied
(especially carbonates) within the water matrices. Alkalinity widely with no significant differences in the sampling
due to the presence of bicarbonate, carbonate and hydroxides locations. However, there were high significance differences
of calcium, sodium and potassium (Murhekar, 2011; Lawson, in biological oxygen demand, hardness, alkalinity, sulphate,
2011) is vital in neutralizing the acidity of water which nitrate, phosphate-phosphorus, total dissolved solids,
increases with dissolved carbon dioxide (Lawson, 2011). electrical conductivity, and temperature of the sampling
Acceptable water hardness for drinking water - should not months with significance difference in dissolved oxygen.
exceed 5 mmol/dm3 (500 mg CaCO3/dm3). Acceptable There was no significant difference in the pH value of the
concentration of sulphates (VI) for drinking water is 200 sampling months.
mg/dm3. Acceptable limit for nitrogen concentration in With the exception of electrical conductivity the mean
surface and drinking water is 1.5 mg/dm3. Acceptable values of the physico-chemical parameters are within the
concentration of phosphates in surface waters is 0.2 mg/dm3. acceptable limits. It can be used for domestic and other
The values obtained in this study are within the acceptable sundry uses; and good for aquatic survival and adaptability.
limit. River Galma is however, not fit for direct human
The mean values of electrical conductivity of the water consumption without treatment.
were high during the dry season. This may have been as a
result of increased water concentration due to low water
level. Conductivity value obtained during the months of
6. Recommendations
August, September, October could be attributed to dilution The out-come of this research would serve as invaluable
factor as a result of increased water volume from their main information to the relevant authority in mitigating the effects
tributary channels and the main water stream. Ovie and of xenobiotic on River Galma and avoid direct discharge of
Adeniji (1993) as well as Kolo and Oladimeji (2004) pollutants into the river.
observed a similar trend for Shiroro lake. The FEPA Routine monitoring of the river is required to ensure that
acceptable limit for conductivity in domestic water supply is these parameters are within the acceptable limits as the river
70 μs/cm (DWAF, 1996a). The values obtained in this is constantly put to different usages due to the ever growing
research are higher and above this limit which ranged from anthropogenic influences.
82.33±4.5 µs/cm to 134.17±23.08 µs/cm.
The pH value from this research is not significantly
different and are within the accepted limits. According to
WHO (2011), there is no health-based guideline value for pH,
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