Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Assessment of the Udu River, Delta State, Nigeria

The Udu River is a major source of commerce and provides water for agricultural domestic use to the people, hence we studied physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, TSS, TDS, turbidity, Salinity, DO, COD, BOD, chlorides, sodium, potassium, total hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, ammonium, sulphates) as well evaluation degree metal contamination (iron, zinc, cadmium, nickel, copper lead) present in samples. analyses carried out revealed samples were acidic, pH below 7, temperature ranged from 29.5 oC - 32.7 which was above WHO permissible limit 25oC, low levels Dissolve oxygen DO (DO: max = 6.5 mg/L 7.5 mg/L) BOD ranges did not exceed suggested 4.5mg/L (WHO max. limit). Concerning heavy metals, examined results showed lead, zinc all limit. A significant increase concentration Iron noticed Ovwian sampling site, also there build cadmium 0.003mg/L at Igbogidi.