ANALYSIS OF SELECTED HEAVY METALS AND THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN ETHIOPE RIVER

This study evaluated the water and sediment quality of the Ethiope River in delta state, Nigeria,by analyzing selected heavy metals copper (cu), zinc (Zn), and iron(Fe) alongside key physicochemical parameters including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (Do), biochemical oxygen demand (BoD), total dissolved solids (TDS), snd nitrate. Samples were collected from three stations_ obiaruku( upstream), Abraka (midstream), and sapele (downstream)_ during the wet season( March to June 2025). Standard field and laboratory techniques were employed for analysis. Results indicated significant spatial variation in TDS, EC, and millivolt( MV). TDS increased from 4.52mg/L in obiaruku to 43.53mg/L in sapele (p=0.046), while EC rose markedly from 3.38uS/cm to 126.75uS/cm (p=3.70E-06),suggesting escalating downstream pollution. MV ranged from -37.00 MV in Obiaruku to -475.25 MV in sapele(p=0.0016). Sediment analysis showed significantly elevated copper levels in Abraka (10.80mg/kg, p=0.025), likely influenced by agricultural and DF domestic runoff, whereas zinc and lead concentrations were statistically uniform across locations. Other parameters such as pH, DO, BOD, Nitrate and total phosphorus exhibited no significant variation (p>0.05). These findings highlight increasing anthropogenic influence downstream, particularly at sapele, and emphasize the need for continuous monitoring, pollution control, and public sensitization. The study provides updated baseline data crucial for sustainable management of the Ethiope River and contributes to informed environmental policy and freshwater ecosystem protection in the region.