Analysis of chemical contaminants of cross river lotic water system atOferekpe in Ikwo l. G. A., Ebonyi State

Chemicalcontaminants of water samples from lotic water system at Oferekpe in Ikwo Local Government, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, were studiedusing both classical and spectrophotometric methods. The mean values of results obtained showed the ranges for pH (6.5-8.5), temperature (27.00-28.00oC), colour (5.0 HU), turbidity (3.00-6.00 NTU),total dissolved solid (25.00-85.00 mg/L),electrical conductivity (0.10-0.25 μS cm-1), total hardness (0.31-1.68 mg/L), calcium hardness (0.11-0.24 mg/L) and magnesium hardness (0.07-1.65 mg/L).Similarly, the results of the heavy metals and nutrients loads showedthe ranges for Zn (0.07- 1.65 mg/L), Fe (0.00- 0.01 mg/L), Mn (0.02-0.20 mg/L), Cl-(50.00-300 mg/L), NO3 -(0.00-20.00 mg/L) and SO4 2-(0.01-2.00 mg/L).The results when compared to World Health Organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) water quality standards showed that they were within permissible limits,except the pH and Cl-. Although, the results do not presently indicate serious pollution, continuous monitoring is necessary to maintain quality and protect public health.