DETERMINATION OF NITRATE AND SULPHATE CONTENT IN WATER SAMPLES FROM LOCAL PONDS IN OGHARA

ABSTRACT This study investigated the nitrate and sulphate concentrations of pond water samples collected from three different ponds in Oghara town, Delta State. The concentrations were determined using spectrophotometric and turbidimetric methods. Results revealed that nitrate levels ranged from 14 ± 0.1 mg/1. in Blessed Hands Pond (Pond 2) to 57 ± 1.4 mg/L. in Ochuks Aqua World (Pond 3), while sulphate concentrations ranged from 5 ± 0.5 mg/L to 9±0.03 mg/L. When compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standards, nitrate concentrations in Eseoghene Pond (Pond 1) [18±0.05 mg/1.] and Blessed Hands Pond (Pond 2) [14 0.1 mg/1.] were within the permissible limit of 50 mg/1 whereas Ochuks Aqua World (Pond 3) [57 ± 1.4 mg/L] exceeded the limit. All sulphate concentrations were significantly lower than the WHO permissible limit of 250 mg/L. The elevated nitrate content in Ochuks Aqua World (Pond 3) suggests possible contamination from agricultural runoff, fertilizer application, or other anthropogenic sources, while the relatively low sulphate levels across all ponds indicate minimal industrial or geologic contributions. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of nitrate levels in surface waters within Oghara to safeguard both public health and the aquatic ecosystem.