ASSESSMENT OF SOME PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF TAGWAI RESERVIOUR IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study on the assessment of physico-chemical parameters of Tagwai Dam in Minna Niger State, Nigeria, was carried out from February 2016 to July 2016. Five sampling stations were randomly selected, namely; Tasabo (Station 1), Maigan-ga (Station 2). Lokoto (Station 3), Dutsen-kura (Station 4), and the dam site narmed Gmukpa (Station 5). The physico-chemical parameters were determined usng standard methods, procedures, and instruments. The result revealed that; Water temperature (26.36±0.70-32.40±4.17°C). -pH (6.53±0.20-7.91±0.11), Transparency (99.60±2.70-135.40±25.25), Conductivity (74.60±1.14-91.60±1.67uS/cm), Total Dissolved Solids (0.09±0.03-0.26±0.38mg/L). Nitrate-nitrogen (0.16±0.03-0,43±0,17mg/L), Total hardness (31.46±1.64. 43.38±0.85mg/LCaCO,), Dissolved Oxygen (5.76±2.10-13.60±3.8Smg/L), Phosphate- phosphorus (6.53±0.20-0.30±0, 1 Smg/L), and water depth (6.38±2.75-11.18±4,80m) varied with months and seasons. Analysis of variance showed significant ditference between seasons (P <0.05). Water quality of the dam is influenced by anthropogenic activities such as runoffs ofinorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Dam water is suitable for irigational and domestic purposs as indicated by most of the physico-chemical parameters analysed in this research. Hence, there is the need for effective anthropogenic inputs control programme in the dam.