Physico-chemical Characteristics of Warri River in The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The discharge of excessive quantities of organic matter is undoubted by the oldest and even today the most widespread form of water pollution. Warri River is an example of Niger Delta River receiving effluent from sewage and several industries, factories and markets. These wastes result in loss of productivity of natural water as well as deterioration of water quality. Physico-chemical characteristics of the Warri River in Nigeria were examined in this study. The results show that physico-chemical parameters differ significantly in respect to locations. Thermal pollution as well as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), pH and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) exceeded stipulated permissible limit by EEC and WHO for drinking water and to protect the health of fish. In order to stall further deterioration of water quality in the river, it is mandatory to place the river under surveillance.