Studies on Evaluation of the Status of Nutrient Loading as Indication of Eutrophication in Lower River Benue at Makurdi, Nigeria

Akaahan, T. J. A¹., Azua E.T,¹ Anaga S.O.²

1. Department of Biological Sciences University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373 Makuedi Benue state Nigeria.
2. Department of Environmental Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Agency Abuja Nigeria.

Abstract: The influence of daily human activities on the water quality of lower River Benue at Makurdi was studied for a period of 24 months at five selected sampling stations. The sampling stations were selected based on the human activities on the River. Water samples were collected at each of the sampling stations and analyzed for nitrate, sulphate and phosphate load level using standard methods for the examination of waters and waste waters.  The results of the nutrient load level across the sampling sites were varied as follows: nitrate 2.20±3.10-3.80±5.20mg/L, sulphate 10.40±9.18- 17.20±15.20mg/L and phosphate 0.90±1.10-1.50±2.10mg/L. The nutrient load level were within the WHO recommended limit.  The result of the study revealed a low level of nutrient load in the lower River Benue and indicate that its waters were not contaminated with respect to nutrients that will facilitate the excessive growth of algal blooms and that will result to eutrophication which is a menace to aquatic environment. The study conclude that during the study period the lower River Benue was not contaminated with respect to the monitored nutrient parameters.

Keywords: Nutrient load, Nitrate, Sulphate, Phosphate, Lower River Benue.

Pages: 404 – 415 | Full PDF Paper