DETERMINATION OF PHOSPHATE CONTENT IN ETHIOPE RIVER SAMPLES

This study investigates the concentration of phosphate in surface water samples collected from the Ethiope River, Delta State, Nigeria, to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on the river’s water quality. The Ethiope River is a vital ecological and socio-economic resource, currently facing potential nutrient loading from agricultural runoff, domestic detergent discharge, and local industrial effluents. Water samples were collected from strategically selected sampling stations—ranging from the river's source at Umuaja to downstream locations in Abraka and Sapele—to capture a gradient of human impact. The Ascorbic Acid (Molybdenum Blue) method was employed for the quantitative determination of phosphate levels, with absorbance measured using a UV-Visible Spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 880 nm. Preliminary results (or expected results) were compared with the regulatory standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). The findings provide critical data on the trophic status of the river, evaluating the risk of eutrophication and its subsequent threat to aquatic biodiversity. This research serves as a baseline for environmental management strategies aimed at preserving the water quality of the Ethiope River against increasing urbanization and agricultural intensification.