Water Quality Assessment of Hashidu Reservoir Along River Gongola, Gombe State Nigeria

Aims: This study aim to assess the water quality in relation to fisheries of Hashidu reservoir.

Study Design: Water samples for the physicochemical analysis were collected from Hashidu reservoir monthly over a period of six months cutting across both dry and rainy seasons.

Methodology: Water samples were collected from three locations using 250 ml sampling bottles and was taken to the laboratory for analysis. physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard water sampling protocols. The water pH and temperature were determined using WTW pH and temperature electrodes. He turbidity meter was calibrated using potassium chloride solution. the turbidity was determined using turbidity meter by pressing the mode button until the arrow appeared as c0n in the displayer. Electrical conductivity was measured using the same Hanna measuring instrument (combo /EC model h198129). Dissolved oxygen was measured with Jenway model 1970 waterproof D.O meter at all the sites. Biochemical oxygen demand (bod) was determined as the difference in dissolved oxygen (do) before and after incubation of the water sample at 20 oc for 5 days.

Results: The mean values for physicochemical parameters recorded during dry and rainy seasons are pH (7.42, 6.77), electrical conductivity (353.50 µS/CM, 545.30 µS/CM), DISSOLVED oxygen (6.77 MG/L, 6.00 MG/L), turbidity (3.94 CM, 3.48 CM), temperature (32OC 29.3OC), BOD (3.69 MG/L, 6.00 MG/L) and COD (6.22 MG/L, 6.00 MG/L) respectively. While the mean values the major anions are nitrate (44.00 MG/L, 50 MG/L), phosphate (11.38 MG/L, 17.70 MG/L), sulphate (15.00 MG/L, 25.50 MG/L), chloride (37.23 MG/L, 240.69 MG/L), fluoride (0.028 MG/L, 0.059 MG/L).

Conclusion: Most of the parameters were within the limits set by who except pH, temperature and phosphate. there is need for continuous monitoring of water quality parameters for sustainable management of natural resources.