Composition and Dynamics of Some Nutrient and Physic-Chemical Parameter in Lower Course of Gwagwalada River in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

摘要

Aims: Jabi dam, Lower Usuma dam and Gwagwalada river in the Federal Capital Territory were studied for a period of twelve months (January 2007–December 2007) to determine their nutrient composition and dynamics. Methodology: Samples were collected from these water bodies on monthly basis. The concentration of some nutrient parameters such as Phosphate-phosphorus (PO₄-P), Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO₄-N), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na) were assessed. The results obtained were statistically analysed to show any relationship amongst them. Results: The mean values for NO₄-N, Ca and K were not significantly different (P>0.05) between the three water bodies. While the mean value for PO₄-P were significantly different (P4-P and NO₄-N showed no significant (P>0.05) monthly variations in the three water bodies. However, TDS, Ca, K, and Na showed significant (P4-P and NO₄-N had their wet season mean values lower than the dry season mean values in the three water bodies. Conclusion: The study revealed that the nutrient parameters measured were slightly lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended values for aquatic life.