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American Journal of   
Environment and Climate (AJEC)

Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) of  the River Nun, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Abinotami W. Ebuete1*, Nato I. Puanoni2, Yarwamara I. Ebuete2, Eluan Ebuete3

Volume 2 Issue 2, Year 2023
ISSN: 2832-403X (Online) 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajec.v2i2.598
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajec

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: May 27, 2023

Accepted: June 21, 2023

Published: July 13, 2023

Water remained the second most required and useful natural resource after air; but its 
usefulness is underscored through quality and quantity among various sources; of  all sources 
of  water, surface water occupied 70% of  the earth’s surface in various form at a given time 
in space. Despite the abundance, water quality remained a global burden such that hardly 
could there be any of  such water bodies without questionable insignia in the Niger Delta. 
Therefore, it became pertinent to assess and characterized the water quality of  the River 
Nun at various reaches. A six months (dry and wet season) sampling exercise was conducted 
following standards on Nine (9) physiochemical and biological parameters. Results in pH, 
Temperature, Biological Oxygen Demand, Total Phosphate, Turbidity and Total Dissolved 
Solids were within limits while concentrations for the fecal coliform count, Dissolved Oxygen 
and Nitrate were above limits. At 0.05% the differences among communities and seasons 
were insignificant while among parameters is significant. The Comprehensive Pollution 
Index range between slightly polluted – seriously polluted while the Water Quality Index 
for the River Nun is classified into Class 3 (C) literally described as Medium; which is unfit 
for drinking and for recreational activities without prior treatment. Therefore, information 
regarding water quality of  the River Nun be transmitted to armed inhabitants of  the status 
of  the River Nun.

Keywords
Comprehensive Pollution Index, 
Physicochemical and Biological 
Parameters, River Nun,   
Surface Water and Water Quality 
Index

1 Department of  Geography and Environmental Management, Niger Delta University, Yenagoa, Nigeria
2 Department of  General Studies, School of  Foundation Studies, Bayelsa State College of  Health Technology, Otuogidi-Ogbia, Nigeria
3 Department of  Animal and Environmental Biology, University of  Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: ebuetewilliams@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
Water is the second most abundant and most required 
natural resource after air. It plays an important role in 
social, economic development, human health, welfare 
and inhabitants in contingent with availability and 
quality; such that too little or too much causes misery, 
displacement, hunger and death in a similar form with 
poor quality. Currently, water is now a commodity of  
strategic importance because of  increasing demands, 
rising costs and diminishing supplies which has returned 
rural dwellers into high dependency on surface water 
sources. Regrettably; due to its openness, surface water 
is treated with contempt and regularly abused inhumanly 
were it is naturally available through the uncontrollable 
activities of  man in the quest for improving life standards.
According to Ebuete et.al. (2019) ignorance, carelessness 
and the quest for fast profits has rendered most if  
not all surface natural water bodies in the Niger Delta 
Region into waste sink; a waste management system best 
described as “Out of  Sight Syndrome”  as the call for Not 
In My Backyard (NIMB) waste management practices 
intensifies. Pathetically, it is theoretically believed that 
surface water sources has unlimited capabilities to process 
itself  from raw waste and pollutants irrespective of  the 
degree and amount of  discharged waste provided it is 
flowing; a repugnant act that has exposed both ecological 
resources and human to high risk of  extinction, varied 
sickness and death. Interestingly, about 70%-80 % of  
the burden of  the disease globally is waterborne; caused 
from the drinking of  contaminated water in developing 
countries (Khan et al. 2013) and about 3.1% deaths occur 

due to the unhygienic and poor water quality (Pawari & 
Gawande, 2015; Raimi, Adedotun, Emmanuel & Anu, 
2019). Records has showed that the priority accorded 
domestic water supply by the Colonial administration 
had not been sustained by the post-Independence 
government in Nigeria and so, water available for used by 
an individual has declined from 18.9litres in 1986 to less 
than 5litres per day in 2008 among 50% urban dwellers 
(Ekong, Jacob and Ebong, 2012) and its worst devastated 
states is among rural dwellers with a larger blame burden 
on poor government policies.
In reality, the hardnosed towards surface water did not 
stop most locals from attaching domestic, religious, 
economic and social importance to surface water; among 
which are the inhabiting locals along its flowing conduit 
(catchment) and others lacking better alternative water 
sources. It is philosophical that ‘Dirty No Dey Kill Africa 
Man” literarily meaning “Africans are immune to dirt’s” and 
as such inferences regarding water quality is drawn on 
the premise of  colour, taste and smell which are quite 
misleading and nebulous.
Another factor that encourages poor surface water 
protection and user culture is the lack of  right information. 
Scientific information guiding users are lacking, complex, 
confusing and are temporal due to the variances in 
presentation/reporting of  physiochemical and biological 
parameters within the available studies particularly in the 
Nun River. Interestingly, physiochemical and biological 
parameters are always dynamic pending on the prevailing 
activities of  man at various reaches; whose information 
regarding such be keenly observed and not to be hastily 



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concluded. In as much as I reckoned the efforts of  such 
studies Nyananyo, Gijo and Ogamba (2007); Agedah, 
Ineyougha, Izah and Orutugu (2015); Seiyaboh, Ogamba 
and Utibe (2018); Aghoghovwia, Nkwa and Obomunu 
(2022); Silas-Olu and Alagoa (2022); none has been able 
to characterized the River Nunon the basis of  quality. 
Therefore, this study aimed at characterizing the Upper 
River Nun, around Odi, Sampou, Agbede, Tombia and 
Okoloba in Bayelsa State using the National Sanitation 
Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI). Further 
information regarding NSFWQI and importance is well 
documented in Kachroud, Trolard, Kefi, Jebari & Bourrié 
(2019); Adelagun, Etim and Godwin (2021).
The Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) is a 100-point 
scale that summarizes results from a total of  nine 
different water parameters (Oram, 2020). The index 
consider nine (9) water parameters (Temperature 
(OC), Phosphate(mg/l), Nitrate(mg/l), Dissolved 
Oxygen(mg/l), Total Dissolved Solids(mg/l), Biological 
Oxygen Demand(mg/l), pH, Turbidity(NTU) and Fecal 
Coliform bacteria (CFU/100ml); transfer recorded 
values into useful Q-Values and multiply with respective 
assigned weighted values each to arrive at single value 
that logically expressed (placing an identity) on the water 
quality (Equ 2; Table. 3-4). One interesting aspect in the 
use of  NSFWQI is that temporal variations regarding 
concentrations of  parameters do not influence results 
unlike the rudimentary reporting system; as higher 

concentration values amount to lower Q-values; of  such 
is Fecal Coli(>10, Q 2.0); TDS (>500, Q 20.0); DO (>140 
=Q 50); pH (<2 >12 =Q 0.0); Turb (>100 =Q 2.0); Nitra 
(>10 =Q 2.0).

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area
The experimental study was conducted on the Upper 
Nun River, along Tombia (4.999318, 6.252248), Okoloba 
(5.036262, 6.243479), Odi (5.169808, 6.3065529), Sampou 
(5.137430, 6.340031) and Agbere (5.246776, 6.383667) in 
Bayelsa State (Fig. 1). Tombia is a community in Southern 
Ijaw Local Government Area; Odi, Okoloba and 
Sampou are communities in Kolokuma/Opukuma Local 
Government Area (LGA) while Agbere is in Sagbama 
Local Government Area. The River Nunis a tributary 
of  the River Niger, located between latitude, 5.137311 
and longitude 6.1713881 with wide meander whose 
outer concave bank is relatively shallow with minimum 
and maximum widths of  200 and 250m respectively 
(Ifelebuegu, et. al. 2017). River Nun serve many purposes 
to the locals; include fishing, dredging, gravel mining, 
farming along the River bank, water transportation, laundry 
activities and refuse dump site. The river is subjected to 
tidal influence in the dry season. Water flows rapidly in one 
direction during the flood (May – October). At the peak of  
the dry season, the direction of  flow is slightly reversed by 
the rising tide (Seiyaboh, Ogamba & Utibe, 2013).

Figure 1: River Nun showing Sample Points
Sources: Researcher, 2023

Water Sampling Techniques
Water samples were collected bimonthly in Triplicate at 
five (5) communities at a depth of  about 1.5-2.0cm below 

surface, corked (stoppered) under water for a period 
of  six (6) months (September- November, 2022 and 
December-February, 2023). Parameter such as pH and 



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Turbidity was measured Insitu using respective meters 
by SCHOTT while mercury-in-glass bulb thermometer is 
used for Temperature. The sampling bottles/containers 
for laboratory analysis were rinsed three times with the 
water at the specific sampling spots before the collection 
of  samples, fixed and preserved on the site, stored in ice-
cold containers and transported to the laboratory. Total 
Dissolved Solids was done following procedures outline 
by Silas_Olu and Alagoa (2022). Dissolved Oxygen (DO), 
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Phosphate 
and Nitrates were done as described by Wokoma and 
Njoku (2017). Bacteriological analysis is done using Serial 
Dilution Method and pour plate techniques while the 
Characterization and Isolation of  Enterobacteriaceae 
using membrane filtration method as explained by 
Adesakin et. al., (2020).

Data Analysis
Field and Laboratory data were presented in range 
and percentages; where necessary a test of  statistical 
differences was performed using Two-Ways Anova (r) 
at (P<0.05). Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) was 
determine using the single factor pollution index (PI) 
as described by Iwegbue et.al., (2022) in equation 1.The 

Water Quality Index (WQI) was also evaluated using the 
National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index 
(NSFWQI) method described by Wu, Wang, Chen, Cai 
and Deng, (2018); Ebuete and Bariweni (2019), Ebuete 
et. al, (2019) in equation 2.
P I  = Ci /Si ………… Equ 1. (Iwegbue et. al., 2022). 
Where:
PI= Pollution Index of  Pollutants 
Ci = Parameters concentrated levels of   
Si = Standard Limits Guide of  the parameters (NIS, 
2015 and Oram, 2020) 
NSFWQI = ΣQiQX…………Equ 2. (Ebuete et. al., 
2019) 
Where: 
Σ = Summation sign  
Qi = Sub-index for ith water quality parameter  
QX= Weight associated with ith water quality

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
Water quality monitoring is vital especially in the River 
Nun to safeguard the public health (dwellers along it 
catchments), to protect the water resources and explore 
fundamental tools necessary for the management of  
surface water been the main sources of  drinking water in 

Table 1: Mean Physiochemical and Biological Parameters of  the River Nun
Parameters Seasons Odi Sampou Agbere Tombia Okoloba NIS, 2015
DO Dry 5.35 5.27 5.67 5.38 5.75 3.7mg/l

Wet 4.75 3.71 3.68 3.32 3.87
F. Coli Dry 16.13 16.48 15.94 16.40 16.55 10 cfu/ml (1cfu/

ml Oram, 2020)Wet 18.41 18.63 18.64 18.81 19.53
pH Dry 7.18 7.68 8.31 7.97 8.43 6.5-8.9

Wet 7.57 7.69 7.78 7.66 7.84
BOD5 Dry 8.53 9.18 10.42 11.31 12.03 6mg

Wet 3.23 3.14 3.54 3.78 3.72
ToC Dry 27.70 27.59 28.47 28.53 28.24 20-30OC

Wet 27.44 27.37 27.22 27.69 27.81
Total Phosphate Dry 3.95 4.57 4.49 5.38 5.77 0.5mg/l

Wet 5.33 5.73 5.79 6.83 6.89
Nitrates Dry 0.45 1.88 2.34 1.75 0.96 50mg

Wet 3.48 3.94 4.89 4.59 4.93
Turbidity Dry 31.27 32.21 31.95 34.78 35.46 5NTU

Wet 57.36 63.66 63.94 64.54 65.18
Total Dissolved 
Solids

Dry 44.47 45.03 45.76 45.82 45.96 50mg/l
Wet 32.14 32.21 32.42 32.51 32.64

Sources: Researcher, 2023. NIS (2015) and Oram (2020)

the rural and some urban areas.
The mean Dissolved Oxygen (DO mg/l) from the five 
communities range from 5.27-5.75mg/l in the dry season 
and 3.32-4.75mg/l in the wet season (table 1.); which is 
within the recommended limits of  7mg/l by Nigerian 
Industrial Standard (NIS, 2015). Seiyaboh, Ogamba 
and Utibe (2013) reported 2.1-6.5mg/l; Ifelebuegu, 

et.al., (2017) (2.3-6.81mg/l); Aghoghovwia, Nkwa and 
Obomunu (2022) (6.27-6.81mg/l) for the Nun River;  
Iwegbue et.al., (2022) (3.07–6.53mg/l) for Bomadi Creek.
The mean coliform count (Fecal Coliform cfu/ml) 
ranged between 15.94-16.55cfu/ml for the dry season 
and 18.41-19.53cfu/ml during the wet season (table 1). 
The values were far above recommended standard of  



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1cfu/ml by (Oram, 2020) and 10 cfu/ml by NIS (2015). 
This is closely linked to the unmanned discharge of  
human waste, channeling of  human excreta from pie 
toilets into the river at various reach due to the lack of  
sanitary rest room. The differences between the dry and 
wet season concentration account for about 8% which 
can be attributed exposure of  the river to storm water 
runoff  and other inland activities during the wet seasons. 
Human activities like bathing, farming, washing, and 
human/animal feces seepage run-offs resulted to the 
higher values which are capable of  transmitting a large 
number of  infectious diseases like meningitis, pneumonia 
and urinary tract infections in consumers (Adesakin et. 
al.,2020). Aghoghovwia, Nkwa and Obomunu (2022) 
made similar report for the River Nun; Silas-Olu and 
Alagoa, (2022) also recorded 153.33-165.33 cfu/ml at 
Okoloba  and Tombia in the Nun River; Ebuete et.al.
(2019) recorded 9.9-15.6cfu/ml for the Epie Creek.; 
Ebuete and Bariweni (2019) recorded 32-39.83 cfu/ml 
for the Kolo Creek; Ifelebuegu, et.al.(2017) recorded 
0.57-1.16x105 for the River Nun. However lower values 
were reported by Ben-Eledo, Kigigha, Izah and Eledo 
(2017a) 1.55-2.22log MPN/100ml on the Epie Creek.
The mean concentration of  pH ranged between 7.18 – 
8.43 for the dry seasons and 7.57-7.84, which are within 
the recommended limits of  6.5-8.9 by NIS (2015). 
However, the concentration different between the dry 
and wet seasons sample account for only 1%. Similarly, 
Nyananyo, Gijo and Ogamba (2007) reported (5.92NTU); 
5.50-8.72NTU by Seiyaboh, Ogamba and Utibe, (2013); 
6.27-6.81 by Aghoghovwia, Nkwa and Obomunu (2022) 
for the River Nun. The mean Biological Oxygen Demand 
(BOD5) range between 8.53-12.03mg/l for the dry season 
and 3.14-3.78mg/l for the wet seasons, which account 
for 49.4% differences owing to the increasing human 
activities during the dry seasons.
The BOD concentration is within the recommended 
limits of  6mg/l by NIS (2015). Nyananyo, Gijo and 
Ogamba (2007) reported 5.52mg/l for the River Nun; 
Iwegbue et.al. (2022) reported 3.07–6.53mg/l for 
Bomadi Creek; while Seiyaboh, Ogamba and Utibe, 
(2013) for River Nun reported 0.7-12.7mg/l. The mean 
temperature range between the dry seasons is 27.70-
28.53OC and 27.22-29.64OC for the wet season, which 
is within the recommended limits of  20-30OC by the 

Nigerian Industrial Standard (2015). The differences 
between the dry and wet seasons is insignificant (1%). 
Similar report were made by Silas-Olu and Alagoa (2022) 
(27.41-27.30OC); Seiyaboh, Ogamba and Utibe (2018) 
27.84-28.25 on the River Nun.
The mean concentration of  Total phosphate range 
between 3.95-5.77mg/l and 5.33-6.89mg/l for the dry and 
wet season respectively; which accounted for about 12% 
as it worsen during the wet season when surface erosion 
and surface flow is at its picks. The values were above the 
recommend limits of  0.5mg/l due to intensive agricultural 
practices using agrochemical, fertilizers and chemical 
fishing. Similarly, it align with the reports of  Nyananyo, 
Gijo and Ogamba (2007) 13.76mg/l; 1.60-5.60mg/l by 
Ifelebuegu, et.al,(2017) for the River Nun. The mean 
nitrate concentration from the five sampled communities 
range between 0.54-2.34mg/l and 3.48-4.93mg/l for dry 
and wet season respectively and accounted for about 49% 
differences; higher during the wet season due to increasing 
agricultural activities and increasing storm surface runoff  
during the season; however, the values are within the 
recommended limits of  50mg/l by NIS (2015). Similar 
range of  1.0-0.56mg/l was reported by Ifelebuegu, et.al., 
(2017); 0.025-0.550mg/l by Seiyaboh, Ogamba and Utibe 
(2013); 0.126-0.24mg/l by Aghoghovwia, Nkwa and 
Obomunu (2022) on the Nun River.
The mean Turbidity recorded range between 31.24-
35.46NTU and 57.36-65.18NTU during the dry and wet 
season respectively and accounted for 31% difference; 
higher during the wet season. The values were above 
the limits of  5NTU recommended by NIS (2015); 
occasioned by intense human activities like sand dredging 
at various reach. Similar report in the River Nunwas made 
by Ifelebuegu, et.al., (2017) 1-32NTU; Silas-Olu and 
Alagoa (2022) 30.72-32.79NTU; Aghoghovwia, Nkwa 
and Obomunu (2022) 18.72-28.36NTU and Iwegbue 
et.al. (2022) 20.5–42.3NTU for Bomadi Creek. 
The mean Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) range between 
44.47-45.95mg/l and 32.14-32.64mg/l for dry and wet 
season with a percentage difference of  about 17% in 
favor of  the dry season sample due higher in stream used, 
fishing activities and agricultural cultivation during the 
dry season. Aghoghovwia, Nkwa and Obomunu (2022) 
reported 4.123 – 26.917mg/l; Iwegbue, (2022) reported 
27.5–44.7 for the Nun River.

Table 2: Two-Ways ANOVA
Source SS D.F MS F-ratio Critical Table Value (%5)
B/w Communities -16.30 4 -4.08 0.066 2.57
B/w Parameters 22238.55 8 2779.82 45.25 2.14
B/w Seasons 77.426 32 2.4196 0.039 1.45
Error 2825.64 46 61.427

Sources: Researcher, 2023.

The differences concerning communities are insignificant 
(F-%5); so also between seasons while the difference 

concerning parameters concentrations are significant 
(Table 2).



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The CPI values ranged between 0.03 – 12.98 in the dry 
season, and 0.09 – 21.99 in the wet season with a mean of  
17.5 in both seasons. Thus, the water in the communities 
along the stretch of  the River Nun is graded into “Mild 

Pollution” (table 3) with regards to high concentration 
in faecal coliform count, Nitrates and turbidity. Similar 
report was made by Iwegbue, (2022) for Bomadi Creek.

Table 3: Comprehensive Pollution Index (PI) of  the River Nun
Parameters NIS, 2015 Dry PI Wet PI Remarks
DO 3-7 5.48 1.10 3.87 0.77 Slightly/Mild Polluted
Fecal Coliform 1 (Oram, 2021) 16.30 16.30 18.80 18.80 Seriously polluted
pH 6.5-8.9 7.92 1.03 7.71 1.00 Medium pollution
BOD5 6 10.29 1.72 3.48 0.58 Heavily/Mild Polluted
TOC 20-30 28.11 1.12 27.90 1.12 Heavily polluted
Total Phosphate 0.5 4.83 9.66 10.95 21.9 Non-Polluted
Nitrates 50 1.48 0.03 4.36 0.09 Seriously polluted
Turbidity 5 33.13 6.63 62.94 12.59 Seriously Polluted
TDS 50 45.41 0.91 32.38 0.65 Mild Polluted

Source: Researcher, 2023

Table 4: Q-Values Factors Extracted from Sampled Stations
Parameters Weigh Factor Seasons Odi Sampou Agbere Tombia Okoloba 
Do 0.17 Dry 2.5 2.3 2.6 2.3 2.7

Wet 2.2 2.1 1.9 1.7 2.0
F. Coli 0.16 Dry 67 65 62 65 57

Wet 57 53 53 52 48
pH 0.11 Dry 92.4 93.7 83.4 94.2 81.3

Wet 93.3 91.3 92.8 92.5 92.9
BOD5 0.11 Dry 40.1 34.3 30.8 30.4 29.8

Wet 95.6 95.8 94.9 93.7 93.5
TOC 0.11 Dry 78.8 78.9 77.4 77.3 77.5

Wet 78.9 80.1 80.2 78.6 78.5
Total Phosphate 0.10 Dry 18.3 14.5 14.8 12.3 11.8

Wet 12.2 11.6 11.3 10.1 9.7
Nitrates 0.10 Dry 98.3 97.7 95.5 97.8 98.1

Wet 88.9 89.3 87.6 87.8 87.3
Turbidity 0.08 Dry 51.3 50.9 51.1 49.7 49.3

Wet 34.5 33.6 33.4 33.1 32.8
Total Dissolved 
Solids

0.07 Dry 85.3 85.7 85.9 86.3 86.8
Wet 82.3 82.4 82.5 82.8 83.2

Source: Researcher, 2023.

Table 5: Water Quality Index per Communities along the River Nun
Parameters Seasons Odi Sampou Agbere Tombia Okoloba Total
DO Dry 0.43 0.39 0.44 0.39 0.46 2.11

Wet 0.37 0.36 0.32 0.32 0.34 1.71
F. Coli Dry 10.72 10.4 9.92 10.4 9.12 50.56

Wet 9.12 8.48 8.48 8.32 7.68 42.08
pH Dry 10.16 10.31 9.17 10.36 8.94 48.94

Wet 10.26 10.04 10.15 10.18 10.22 50.85
BOD5 Dry 4.41 3.77 3.39 3.34 3.28 18.19

Wet 10.52 10.58 10.44 10.31 10.29 52.14 



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TOC Dry 8.67 8.68 8.51 8.53 8.53 42.92
Wet 8.68 8.81 8.82 8.65 8.64 43.6

Total phosphate Dry 1.83 1.45 1.48 1.23 1.18 7.17
Wet 1.22 1.16 1.13 1.01 0.97 5.49

Nitrates Dry 9.83 9.77 9.55 9.78 9.81 48.74
Wet 8.89 8.93 8.76 8.78 8.73 44.09

Turbidity Dry 4.10 4.07 4.09 3.98 3.94 20.18
Wet 2.76 2.69 2.67 2.65 2.62 13.39

Total Dissolved 
Solids

Dry 5.97 6.0 6.01 6.04 6.94 30.96
Wet 6.58 5.77 5,78 5.80 5.82 29.75

Grand Total Dry 56.56 54.84 52.56 54.05 52.20 270.21
Wet 58.40 56.82 56.55 56.02 55.31 282.85

Source: Researcher, 2023.

Table 6: NSQWI Classification among Communities along the River Nun 
Class Grading Remark Odi Sampou Agbere Tombia Okoloba 
1 (A) 90-100 Excellent
2 (B) 70-89 Good
3 (C) 50-69 Medium Dry    56.56 54.84 52.56 54.05 52.20

Wet    68.40 56.82 56.55 56.06 55.31
∑X: 57.48 55.83 54.56 55.06 53.76

4 (D) 25-49 Bad
5 (E) 0-24 Very Bad

Source: Researcher, 2023; Kachroud, Trolard, Kefi, Jebari & Bourrié (2019).

Figure 2: Water Quality Index (WQI) of  the River Nun, Bayelsa State
Sources: Researcher, 2023



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Am. J. Environ. Clim 2(2) 15-22, 2023

The Water Quality Index (NSWQI) at Odi, Sampou, 
Agbere, Tombia and Okoloba is categorized into Class 
3 (C) “Medium” for both seasons (table 6). On the 
coronary, the water quality index is literally better during 
the wet seasons owing to the high volume of  water during 
the seasons; which accounted for about 2.3% differences; 
however, the interaction difference between seasons is 
insignificant at %0.05 (table 2). In general, the River Nun 
is classified into Class 3(C) “Medium”. Similarly, Leizou, 
Nduka and Verla, (2017) reported poor quality for the 
Brass River; Aigberua (2019) also reported poor quality 
for the Taylor Creek; Ebuete and Bariweni (2019) also 
reported medium - poor for the Kolo Creek;  Ebuete et.al. 
(2019) also recorded medium-poor quality with the Epie 
Creek; Ofuya and Asibor (2019) reported Medium for 
the Oji River,Warri; Ugochukwu, Onuorah and Onuora 
(2019) remarked good – Unsuitable for drinking during 
the dry seasons and Poor - Unsuitable for drinking in the 
wet season; Erhenhi and Omoigberale (2020) reported 
Poor - Medium quality for the Ethiope River, Rivers State. 

CONCLUSION
It is on record that physicochemical and biological 
characteristics of  the aquatic environment influences 
directly on the life inhabitant using such water bodies 
and the aquatic ecosystem; on that note, ascertaining the 
water quality and productivity is in the assessment of  
physicochemical and biological parameters. Information 
regarding sections of  the River Nun (physicochemical 
and biological parameters) were assess and presented 
in consonants with recommended standards. The 
concentration of  pH, Temperature, Biological Oxygen 
Demand, Total Phosphate, Turbidity and Total Dissolved 
Solids were within recommended standards while 
concentrations for fecal coliform count, Dissolved 
Oxygen and Nitrate were above recommended standards. 
The results from the Comprehensive pollution index 
range between slightly polluted – seriously polluted with 
regards to high concentrations in fecal coliform count, 
Dissolved oxygen and Nitrate. The Water Quality Index 
of  the River Nun is classified into Class 3 (C) literally 
described as Medium; which is unfit for drinking and 
recreational activities without prior treatment. Therefore, 
information regarding water quality of  the River Nun 
be transmitted to armed inhabitants of  the status of  the 
Nun River.

REFERENCES
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