Quality Study of Otamiri River Water Around The Vicinity of Umuoko Nekede Owerri Where Sand Minning is Carried Out

ABSTRACT

Quality study of Otamiri River water around the vicinity of Umukoto Nekede Owerri where sand mining is carried out is discussed. The effects of these activities are explained by analyzing the positive and negative implications on the environment within the area. The socioeconomic ecology, vegetation, environmental hazards and physicochemical parameters of the water were examined by the method of laboratory sampling dredging technology, hydraulic procedures. The Numerical Quantitative Laboratory data for the Physico-Chemical Parameters for Nekede were Temperature 27.79-27.850C, Electrical Conductivity 32-36 S/cm, Turbidity 4.00 – 5.00 NTU, PH 4.97-5.43 TDS: 16.00 – 2.00 mg/L, TSS: 2.0 – 2.80 DO: 1.52-1.63 BOD5 0.88-1.99 Sulphate; 8.00 – 9.50 mg/L, Phosphate 0.90-1.30 Nitrate 0.40-0.70. Umukoto were Temperature 27.48-27.82 Conductivity 28-29 S/cm, Turbidity: 4.9-6.4 NTU, PH 5.92- 6.45, TDS: 14-15 mg/L, DO 1.28-5.57, BOD 0.88-.199, Sulphate 9.8-10.4 Phospahte 0.5-1.0 Nitrate 0.2- 04.Nekede: Nekede Fe 0.95 - 1.82, Fe 0.95-1.82, Pb 0.01-0.03, Zn 3.50-4.70, Cr 3.50-4.70, Cu 0.02-0.02, Ni 0.03-0.20 Umukoto Fe 0.25- 088mg/L, Ph 0.02mg/l-0.03, Ni 0.01-0.03, Mn 0.02mg/l, Zu 2.90- 4.84, Cu 0.04-0.06. From the Result Some of the Parameters like Electronic Conductivity, TDS, TSS, BOD, DO and heavy metals like Fe were below the stipulated FMENV and WHO standard for Human Health criteria and this would not amount to little harmful effect on human health problem if consumed and ecosystem imbalance in the aquatic environment. While some parameter like temperature, turbidity, PH, xiv BOD DO, Sulphate total hardness Mg Nitrate, Mn, and Pb were within Stipulated Standard and so would have little or no effect on human beings if consumed. The research was carried out by collecting samples from 3 different points labeled 1,2,3 in each of the chosen locations. It was observed that some of the sample of physico-chemical parameters did not exceed the Federal Ministry of Environment and World Health Organization limits while some were within limits. This suggested that sand mining have a lot effects or impact on the surface of water. The Result Obtained was helpful in Recommending to the Government of Imo State to initiate Otamiri Master Plan Strategic Guideline and Regulatory Legislation advocated. The environment management plan incompliance with Mitigation of the basic Waste minimization Enforcement should be advocated as well as creation of green belt zone.