Total Alkalinity, Biological Oxygen Demand and Total Dissolved Solids of Feroro Stream Chikun Local Government Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Feroro stream is a perennial stream that flows into the River Kaduna, whose physical and chemical qualities are fast deteriorating. The stream is located in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study evaluated the total alkalinity, biological oxygen demand, and total dissolved solids of the stream. The stream is threatened by anthropogenic activities. Five sampling stations were selected along the stream based on anthropogenic activities. The stream water and sediment samples were collected according to the standard methods once monthly from the stations for twenty-four months from 2020 to 2021. Samples for Biological oxygen demand were collected in amber containers and incubated for five days. Total Dissolved Solids, Biological Oxygen Demand, and Total Alkalinity were determined using a standard multi-parameter Hanna meter, a Dissolved oxygen meter, and titration. All the parameters tested in the stream sediment and water were within the standard limits of the World Health Organization. Total Dissolved Solids were significantly spatially different across all the stations in the stream water at P<0.05. Total alkalinity in the stream water and sediment were high during the dry season (38.82mg/L/CaCO₃ and 37.95 mg/L/CaCO₃ p<0.05 respectively. Total Dissolved Solids had a negative correlation with Biological oxygen demand and Total alkalinity in both the stream water and sediment at 19.1% and 18.2%. The TDS of the stream varied across the stations. Total alkalinity, Biological oxygen demand, and Total dissolved solids in the Feroro stream differ significantly across the months.