Abstract:
Physico-chemical analyses of the surface waters of
the lower reaches of the River Niger were carried out
for a period of one year (April 1988-March 1989)
covering both t h e rainy and dry seasons t o establish
Levels of various pollutants and to study the
contributions made by the major tributaries and urban
activities to the gross pollution level. Certain
physico-chemical properties such as BOD, COD, oil and
grease, conductivity, total solids, major anions
(PO43-, NO3- a nd Cl-)showed marked seasonal variations,
while others such as pH, water hardness and major
cations showed minor variations during the year . The
levels of these pollutants were considered relatively
low to make the River Niger polluted. The contribution
by the tributaries and human activities particularly in
the urban cities on the Niger, contribute significantly
to the pollution levels of the Niger.
