International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (4), pp. 001-004, April, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Chemical and silt-induced eutrophication syndrome at Otamiri River, Owerri, Nigeria

Nwanebu F. C.¹*, Ogbulie, J. N.¹, Obi R. K.¹ and Ojiako O. A.²

¹Department of Industrial Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.

²Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.

Accepted 09 March, 2019

Abstract

Partially eutrophicated site (A) and free-flowing site (B) of Otamiri River in Owerri, Nigeria, separated by a barricade were evaluated to determine their relative pollution status. Microbiological analysis using membrance-filtration techniques detected high presence of Salmonella spp., Vibro spp., Staphylococus aureus and faecal Streptococci. Aerobic bacterial counts of 5.0 x 10⁵ cfu/100ml were obtained from site B and 4.5x 10³ cfu/100ml from site A. The physico-chemical analysis revealed high conductivity of 178 umhoo/cm with total dissolved solids (TDS) of 89.0 mg/L at site B and 52 umhoo/cm with TDS of 26mg/L at site A. Recovery of PO4^3-, SO₄^2-, N0^3-, was obtained, though more at site A than Site B, indicating pollution. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in pollution indices obtained between sites A and B. The barricade encouraged siltation and nutrient accumulation at site A creating an eutrophic environment that further complicated a desperate pollution status of the river due to indiscriminate dumping of refuse. This river serves as drinking water source to many inhabitants of Owerri municipality with villages beyond. Government effort to protect it from over pollution is therfore highly desired.

Key words: Eutrophication, pollution, Otamiri River, Owerri, Nigeria.