Abstract:
Physico-chcmical analyses of t h e surface waters of the lower reaches of the River Niger were carried out for a period of one year (Apri1 1988 - March 1989)covering both t h e rainy and dry seasons to established
Levels of various pollutants and to study the contributions made by the major tributaries on urban activities to the gross pollution level. Certain physico-chemical properties such as BOD, COD, oil and
grease, conductivity, total solids, major anions (PO43- - ( ~ ,0 NO3j a nd ~1-)showed marked seasonal variations,
while others such as pH, water hardness and major cations showed minor variations during the yea *. The levels of these pollutants were considered rel: t i v e l y
low t o make the River Niger polluted. The contribution
by the t r i b u t a r i e s and hman a c t i v i t i e s particuLarly in
the urban cities on the Niger, contribute significantly to the pollution levels of the Niger