Water quality evaluation using physicochemical and biological indices to characterize the integrity of the Orogodo River in sub-Saharan Africa

The preliminary consequence of pollutants in water is to reduce the quality although this may not be immediately noticeable because self-purifying ability some bodies. study on physicochemical characteristics, bacteriological, and macrobenthic invertebrates was carried out Orogodo River. All examined characteristics showed no significant difference ( p > 0.05) across stations. For heavy metals, it decreasing order as follows: station 2 3 1. metals except nickel had high values upstream (station 1). Bacteriological examination revealed presence mesophilic bacteria stations at < 0.01 (a highly difference). E. coli varied significantly 0.01) However, a further evaluation using DMR test that population recorded higher than 1 2. A total 787 comprising 44 macroinvertebrates’ taxa were recorded. Most faunas observed distributed three chironomids, rat-tailed maggot Eristalis tenax ), family Hirudinea whose occurrence almost restricted This an ecological impact species basic indicator ecosystem sentinel. Sorenson’s quotient faunal similarity fauna these similar. highest between (75.0%) lowest (50.0%). biological monitoring working party (BMWP) score system moderately polluted, while only slightly affected. At 1, 2, 3, arithmetic WQI (water quality) 900.99, 1010.10, 951.20, respectively. obtained attributable concentrations Fe, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb, V, THC, thus reiterating conclusion drawn from parameter analysis. Boiling before consumption recommended avoid possible human health problems, especially effects microbial pathogens like coliforms .