Nitrate Pollution of Aya Watershed in Vandeikya Rural Area of Benue State Nigeria

Nitrate levels in Aya watershed were examined. Water samples were collected from 10 sampling sites across the catchment Area of River Aya, for analyses. The analyses were done according to standard methods of water examination. The analyses showed 100% of samples with higher Nitrate concentration above the WHO standards for water quality. The Presence of Nitrate in these rivers may be traced to indiscriminate disposing of animal wastes, farming practices with the use of agro-chemicals. The presence of Nitrate in River Aya indicates pollution and offers threat to biodiversity. All land use activities capable of polluting water should be controlled.