Water Quality Assessment of River Obodo, Imiringi, Bayelsa State

This study provides a thorough assessment of the physicochemical and microbial water quality of River Obodo, located in the Imiringi community within Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Given the community's heavy reliance on the river for drinking, domestic use, agriculture, and fishing, assessing water quality is crucial for protecting public health and aquatic ecosystems. Water samples were collected from two ecologically significant sites during the wet season, when urban and surface runoff have the greatest impact on water chemistry and microbiology. Various parameters, including pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, nitrate, and turbidity, were measured using in situ calibrated probes, titration, and turbidimetry methods. For microbial analysis, total heterotrophic bacteria count (THBC), total coliform count (TCC), total fecal coliform count (TFEC), and total fungal count (TFC) were quantified using standard serial dilution and selective cultivation techniques. The results revealed a slightly alkaline pH (8.0–8.5), typical tropical temperatures (~28°C), low conductivity and TDS, negligible salinity and nitrate levels, and moderate turbidity (18–19 NTU), indicating increased particulate loads due to wet season runoff and soil erosion. Microbial counts showed significant contamination, with total and fecal coliform bacteria present at concentrations (5.04–5.26 × 10³ cfu/ml) far exceeding the zero-tolerance limits set by drinking water quality guidelines, signaling a risk of fecal pollution and potential pathogen presence. Elevated populations of heterotrophic bacteria and fungi further suggested organic contamination. These findings establish a baseline for the current water quality and highlight the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure public health and environmental sustainability in the area.