ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF UDO ANWANKWO RIVER AT UWA AND ENTAGON STATIONS IN IKOT EKPENE

Standard methods were used to assess the physicochemical parameters in water samples from Udo Anwankwo River at Uwa and Entagon Station of Udo Anwankwo River, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. In the study, samples were collected from the two sites (Uwa and Entagon respectively). The physicochemical parameters, such as temperature (26.5±0.01 - 26.4±0.02 oC), pH (6.14±0.00-6.16±0.01), DO (11.50±0.02-12.15±0.01 mg/l), electrical conductivity (11.50±0.02-12.15±0.01 Uscm-1), BOD (6.18±0.03 - 6.22±0.02 mg/l), COD (32.40±0.02-30.60±0.01mg/l), hardness (40.35±0.01-42.50±0.03 mg/l), TSS (4.20±0.01-4.36±0.03 mg/l), Alkalinity (24.00±0.01-32.00±0.01 mg/l), Acidity (46.00±0.01-42.00±0.02as CaCO3) and total dissolved solid (6.60±0.02-5.15±0.01 mg/l) were recorded. The levels of physicochemical parameters determined across the sampling locations were higher at the location (Entagon Station) with tremendous human activities and lowest at the location (Uwa) with the least human activities. Physicochemical parameters obtained across the sampling locations showed an increase with levels of human activities across the sampling locations. Although the levels of all the parameters determined were within UNICEF and WHO (2018) permissible limits. The sustainability of the studied river for use by the present and future generations demands routine monitoring to prevent escalation beyond tolerability limits given by regulatory bodies.