Impact of municipal solid waste on the water quality of Otamiri River in Owerri, South-Eastern Nigeria

This research aimed at assessing the influence of Municipal Waste on Otamiri River by comparing the levels of the contaminants against the set limit by regulating agencies. Stream samples were collected at five different points along the stream using the conventional WHO (2004) methods. The Physico-chemical of the samples collected were analyzed. The results were compared against the standards of regulating agencies. Spatial variations in Physicochemical parameter variations were observed in the levels of the physicochemical parameters measured across the sampling locations. Maximum levels of pH, water temperature and K+ ions were recorded in sampling Locations (SL) 5 (7.12, 29.00C and 2.73mg/L respectively). Maximum levels of TSS, TDS and Turbidity were recorded in sampling locations 4 and 5 (568.60mg/L, 67mg/L, and 110.24 NTU respectively). Maximum levels of EC, Alkalinity and Acidity were recorded in SL 4, 5 and 1 respectively (154.30mg/L, 37.33mg/L, and 32.44mg/L respectively). Maximum levels of DO, BOD, and Chlorides (5.60 mg/L, 3.53 mg/L, and 120.60 mg/L respectively) were recorded in SL 1 and 2. Maximum levels of Ca+, Mg+ and Na+ ions (64.24 mg/L, 3.60 mg/L, and 5.27 mg/L respectively) were recorded in SL 4 and 5. Maximum levels of Ammonia and Total Hardness were recorded in SL 5 (0.100 and 98.27 respectively). The constant dumping of refuse at the site has increased the concentration of organic and inorganic constituents of the river water, even though some remain within established standards. Water from Otamiri River requires elaborate treatment before it could be suitable for domestic purposes.