Bioscience Methods 2018, Vol.9, No.1, 1-11
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varying level of human activities in the water. The values reported in this study is lower compared to the result
from Epie creek (31.29-105.04 NTU) (Ben-Eledo et al., 2017), Taylor creek (58.96 NTU) (Daka et al., 2014), Nun
and Igbedi river (25.70-117.252 NTU) (Agedah et al., 2015; Ogamba et al., 2015c), Igbedi creek (35.95-82.32
NTU) (Seiyaboh et al., 2013), Kolo creek (27. 37-40.5 NTU) (Aghoghovwia and Ohimain, 2014; Ogamba et al.,
2015a). But within the values reported Tombia bridge construction area (5-64 NTU) (Seiyaboh et al., 2013a), Epie
creek (11.67-28.00 NTU) (Izonfuo and Bariweni, 2001). The differences among the various studies could be due
to seasonal inferences and level of anthropogenic activities prior to sampling (Ogamba et al., 2015c; Ben-Eledo et
al., 2017). The values were higher than 5NTU for Nigerian drinking water quality standards (Table 3). This is also
a reflection of anthropogenic activities in the water resources (Agedah et al., 2015; Ogamba et al., 2015c;
Ben-Eledo et al., 2017).
2.5 Total dissolved solid
The total dissolved solid concentration in the water ranged from 29.83-35.83 mg/l, being significantly different
(P<0.05) among the different locations (Table 1). Total dissolved solid showed positive significant correlation
with total suspended solid at P<0.01, and negative relationship with nitrate, chloride, sulphate, calcium and
magnesium at P<0.01 (Table 2). The values reported in this study is lower than the value from Epie creek
(33.00-548.50 mg/l) (Izonfuo and Bariwani, 2001; Ben-Eledo et al., 2017, Taylor creek (28.90 mg/l) (Daka et al.,
2014), Nun River (28.18-32.55 mg/l) (Agedah et al., 2015), Kolo creek (41.45-51.0 mg/l) (Aghoghovwia and
Ohimain, 2014), 28.70-53.0 mg/l (Ikoli creek) (Ogamba et al., 2015b), Igbedi creek (31.93-39.48 mg/l) (Seiyaboh
et al, 2013b), Tombia bridge construction area (62.1-67.9 mg/l) (Seiyaboh et al., 2013a). But within the values
reported in river Nun at Amassoma axis (10.33-34.33 mg/l) (Ogamba et al., 2015c), Kolo creek (16.10-19.23 mg/l)
(Ogamba et al., 2015a). The total dissolved solid in this study is far lesser than Nigerian drinking water quality
and world Health organization standard (Table 3). The variation in total dissolved solid could be association to
current intensity of the river and well as level of anthropogenic activities (Ogamba et al., 2015c; Ben-Eledo et al.,
2017).
2.6 Total suspended solid
The total suspended solid concentration in the water samples ranged from 1.96-2.13 mg/l, being significantly
different (P<0.05) among the various locations (Table 1). Totals suspended solid showed positive significant
correlation with potassium at P<0.05, and negative significant relationship with nitrate, chloride, sulphate, calcium
and magnesium at P<0.01 and total hardness at P<0.05 (Table 2). Again, the significant variation among the
different locations suggests difference in the level of anthropogenic activities in the water. The values reported in
this study is lower than the values reported in Epie creek (3.74-10.562 mg/l) (Ben-Eledo et al., 2017), Nun River
at Amassoma axis (3.43-5.47 mg/l) (Ogamba et al., 2015c), Ikoli creek (2.7-4.35 mg/l) (Ogamba et al., 2015b),
and within the values of 1.75-3.42 mg/l reported in Kolo creek by Ogamba et al. (2015a). Furthermore, the values
in this study is higher than the values 0.05-0.25 mg/l (Kolo creek) (Aghoghovwia and Ohimain, 2014). The
variation could be due to low dilution and seasonal effects. The values of total suspended solid are far lower than
the limits specified by World Health Organization for drinking water (Table 3).
2.7 Total alkalinity
The total alkalinity level in the water samples ranged from 13.40-5.50 mg/l, being not significantly different
(P>0.05) among the various location except for Location C (Table 1). Total alkalinity showed positive significant
relationship with sodium and negatively correlate with biological oxygen demand at P<0.01 (Table 2). The
variation among the different location suggests the level of human activities in the river. The values reported in
this study are lower than the values reported in Epie creek (19.20-62.00 mg/l) (Ben-Eledo et al., 2017), Igbedi
creek (50.64-67.61 mg/l) (Seiyaboh et al., 2013b). The level of total alkalinity in the water provides valuable
information about the acidity of the water. Typically, acidity of water has a relationship with pH and total iron
content of water. Furthermore, the total alkalinity of the water is lower than World Health Organization standard.
