Determination of Water Quality Index of Selected Water Bodies in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Water Quality index indicating the water quality in terms of index number, offers a useful representation of overall quality of water for public or for any intended use, as well as in pollution abatement programmes and in water quality management. The present study was carried out to determine the Water Quality Index (WQI) of selected rivers in Warri, Delta State, using fourteen physicochemical parameters and on the basis of weighted Arithmetic Index in order to access the suitability of this water for consumption, recreation and other purposes. The parameters were measured monthly for one year at the six selected water bodies. In this study, WQI was determined by the analysis-on the basis of various physicochemical parameters such as pH, chlorides, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solid, total suspended solids, chlorides, sulphates, chemical oxygen demand, oil/grease. Result obtained for the different sampling sites were found to fall within the WQI classifications - poor water (100-200) to unsuitable water or unfit (>300). There is, therefore, the need to periodically assess these water bodies to ensure the quality is suitable for the intended purpose.