Assessment Of Nutrient Load In Unwana River Flow Course

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Three water samples were collected from different locations of Unwana River. The parameters analyzed were NH₃-N, NO₃^-, NO₂^- and PO₄^-3 and these were done using UV-spectrophotometric method. The results of the samples showed that Location A has NH₃-N concentration of 1.63 0.17 mg/, B 0.95 0.73 mg/L, C 1.20 0.44 mg/L while NO₃^- in Location A was 0.73  mg/L, B was 0.73 mg/L, C 0.44 0.19 mg/L while NO₂^- concentration in Location A was 0.17  mg/L, B 0.17 0.017 mg/L, C 0.20  while PO₃^-3 concentration in Location A was 12.1 0.39 mg/L, B 11.15 , C 11.43 . The results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard. The results showed that NH₃-N, NO₃^- and PO₄^-3 were below the WHO drinking water standard and this did not pose any danger to the users. The results of the analysis indicated that the NO₂^- concentrations were above the WHO permissible limit of drinking water standard and this could pose threat to the persons using the water. High concentration of NO₂^- can cause methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in children. Due to high concentrations of NO₂^- the water should be treated before usage.