Analysis of Physico-Chemical Properties of Kaduna River Pollution and Their Effects on the Health of Residents of Kaduna Metropolis Nigeria

This study assesses the quality of Kaduna River water and its effects on health of the residents. The aim of the study was achieved through identification of the sources of pollutants in Kaduna River and determination of the spatial and seasonal variations of water quality of the River. Data were obtained from primary and documented sources. Water samples were collected from five sample points and 21 parameters were examined (temperature, pH, conductivity, colour, turbidity, TSS, TDS, DO, Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, BOD, COD, Oil and grease, phosphate, copper, calcium, Magnesium, iron, Zn and faecal coliform) in situ through field determination of water quality and laboratory based analysis at Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority laboratory. Water samples were systematically and carefully selected and collected to ensure that the samples were collected upstream, within and downstream of the land use types respectively. Hospital records were obtained for 10 years period in Kaduna Metropolis. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistics in the form of tables and frequencies and Paired sample T-test. Results show that the major sources of pollution in Kaduna River are agricultural run-off, industrial effluents and discharges, run-off from urban centre, surface run off, natural source and human activities. Also, the study indicated that the incidence of water related diseases in the area is on the increase. Inferential statistics results showed that the variety and level of pollution in Kaduna River is related to the size of population, and land use activities on the various parts of the Metropolis from where it receives run-off and pollutants. Therefore, it is recommended that prevention of pollution, treatment of polluted water, safe use of wastewater, restoration and protection of ecosystem, among others are desirable actions that will guarantee sustainable good quality use of Kaduna River by man.