EVALUATION OF RIVER WATER QUALITY FOR IRRIGATION PURPOSE IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Quality of water has meaning only with respect to its particular use. Therefore, we collected water samples from Barkin-Sale (9034’N, 6031’E) and Chanchaga (9041’N, 6038’E) rivers from Minna and Upper Landzun (9053’N, 6032’E) and Lower Landzun (9036’N, 25033’E) rivers from Bida, and all locations are in Niger State, Nigeria to ascertain its current quality status and suitability for irrigation purpose. The samples were compared with standard guidelines (FAO) for interpretation of water quality for irrigation. The water samples were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline with their pH values ranging from 6.52 to 7.53. In terms of salinity hazard measures as electrical conductivity (ECw), the water samples had very low salinity (ECw = 0.60 - 1.24ds m-1). With respect to sodicity hazards, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) values obtained for all the water samples ranged from 2.12 to 7.25. This indicates a low risk of sodium build up. When compared with standard guidelines for interpretation of water quality for irrigation, the parameters were within the limits indicating that the water is of good quality for irrigation of arable crops. Their suitability/quality for irrigation purpose occurred in the order of Upper Landzun > Lower Landzun > Chanchaga > Barkin-Sale. It is recommended therefore that continued monitoring of irrigation quality should always be conducted.