Assessing Water Quality of a Rural Stream Southeast Nigeria for Irrigation Purpose

Year 2025, Volume: 35 Issue: 1, 53 - 68

Onyinyechi Gladys Adetunji , Emeka Donald Anyanwu , Hasan Er , Amarachi Grace Stephen , Nwakaego Praise Ohanuka

https://doi.org/10.29133/yyutbd.1571669

Abstract

Aspects of the physicochemical parameters of a rural stream, in Southeast Nigeria, were evaluated for 12 months, between November 2021 and October 2022 in 3 stations in relation to suitability for irrigation purposes. Ten (10) physicochemical parameters were evaluated using standard methods and compared with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Irrigation Water Quality standard. Irrigation indices like Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Percentage Sodium (%Na), Kelly’s Index (KI), Magnesium Hazard (MH), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Cation Ratio of Soil Structural Stability (CROSS), Permeability Index (PI), Potential Salinity (PS), Total Hardness (TH), and Residual Sodium Bicarbonate (RSBC) were also used for the irrigation suitability assessment. The physicochemical parameters were: pH (5.00–8.60), total dissolved solids (9.00–75.00 mg l-1), electrical conductivity (18.00–150.00µS cm-1), bicarbonate (22.70–91.50 mg l-1), chloride (17.00–195.00 mg l-1), sulphate (0.01–0.76 mg l-1), magnesium (0.26–3.71 mg l-1), sodium (0.11–1.18 mg l-1), potassium (0.05–0.98 mg l-1) and calcium (0.31–5.11 mg l-1). Spatially and seasonally, the mean values conformed to irrigation water standards except pH (dry season). All the parameters recorded higher values in station 1 and wet season (except Chloride). The irrigation indices were: SAR (0.10 – 0.14), %Na (15.0 – 25.0), KI (0.12 – 0.25), MH (50.00 – 55.60), SSP (10.53 – 18.20), CROSS (0.10 – 0.20), PI (68.2 – 185.7), PS (1.92 – 2.71), TH (0.20 - 0.64), and RSBC (0.89 – 1.10). All indicated suitability except MH (all stations and wet season) and PI (wet season). Anthropogenic activities and seasons influenced the water quality of the stream and the indices. It can be concluded that the Azueke stream is suitable for irrigation.

Keywords

water quality, stream, irrigation indices, season, anthropogenic

Ethical Statement

This study does not require ethical approval.

Supporting Institution

Not Applicable

Project Number

Not Applicable

References

• Abualhaija, M. M., Abu Hilal, A. H., Shammout, M. W., & Mohammad, A. (2020). Assessment of reservoir water quality using water quality indices: a case study from Jordan. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, 13(3), 397-406. https://doi.org/10.37624/IJERT/13.3.2020.397-406
• Adeyemi, A. G., Muhammed, D., & Oludare, A. T. (2019). Assessment of the suitability of water quality for irrigation in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 09(02), 021–031. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2019.9.2.0191
• Adeyemi, A. G., Temitope, S. L., Ogbor, O. B., & Babatunde, A. A. (2021). River Water Quality Assessment and Its Suitability for Irrigation Purpose. FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 5(3), 413 – 419. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2021-0503-770
• Akhtar, N., Syakir Ishak, M. I., Bhawani, S. A., & Umar, K. (2021). Various Natural and Anthropogenic Factors Responsible for Water Quality Degradation: A Review. Water, 13, 2660. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13192660
• Al-Aizari, H. S., Aslaou, F., Mohsen, O., Al-Aizari, A. R., Al-Odayni, A., Abduh, N. A. Y., Al-Aizari, A. M., &Taleb, E. A. (2024). Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation Purpose using Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI). Journal of Environmental Engineering & Landscape Management, 32(1), 1 – 11. https://doi.org/10.3846/jeelm.2024.20598
• Aliyu, T. H., Balogun, O. S., Namani, C. S., Olatinwo, L. K., & Aliyu, A. S. (2017). Assessment of the presence of metals and quality of water used for irrigation in Kwara State, Nigeria. Pollution, 3(3), 461-470. https://doi.org/10.7508/pj.2017.03.011
• Alsubih, M., Mallick, J., Islam, A. R. M. T., Almesfer, M. K., Kahla, N. B., Talukdar, S., & Ahmed, M. (2022). Assessing Surface Water Quality for Irrigation Purposes in Some Dams of Asir Region, Saudi Arabia Using Multi-Statistical Modeling Approaches. Water, 14, 1439. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14091439
• Amer, A. S., & Mohamed, W. S. (2022). Assessment of Ismailia Canal for irrigation purposes by water quality indices. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194(12), 862. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-10350-y
• Anigbo, N. J., Okpokwasili, G. C., & Ogugbue, C. J. (2021).The physico-chemical characteristics of fresh and old pig dungs collected from three pig farmsin Port Harcourt Metropolis. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16(3), 013–018. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2021.16.3.0254
• Anonna, T. A., Ahmed, Z., Alam, R., Karim, M. M., Xie, Z., Kumar, P., Zhang, F., & Simal-Gandara, J. (2022). Water quality assessment for drinking and irrigation purposes in Mahananda River Basin of Bangladesh. Earth Systems and Environment, 6(1), 87-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-021-00274-x
• Anyanwu, E. D., Jonah, U. E., Adetunji, O. G., & Nwoke, O. B. (2023). An appraisal of the physicochemical parameters of Ikwu River, Umuahia, Abia State in South-eastern, Nigeria for multiple uses. International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 7(2), 221-228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-021-00168-8
• ANZG (2023). Water Quality for Irrigation and General Water Uses: Background information. Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Australian and New Zealand governments and Australian state and territory governments, Canberra. https://www.waterquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/irrigation-guidlelines-draft-9.2.pdf. Access date: 2nd October 2024
• Aramrak, S., Chittamart, N., Wisawapipat, W., Rattanapichai, W., Phun-Iam, M., & Aramrak, A. (2021). Dynamics of soil aggregate stability as induced by potassium in a soil-plant system. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 67(4), 371-379. https://doi.org/10.1080/00380768.2021.1939151
• Ashie, W. B., Awewomom, J., Osei Ettey, E. N. Y., Opoku, F., & Akoto, O. (2024). Assessment of irrigation water quality for vegetable farming in peri-urban Kumasi. Heliyon, 10, e24913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24913
• Awedat, A. M., Zhu, Y., Bennett, J. M., & Raine, S. R. (2021). The impact of clay dispersion and migration on soil hydraulic conductivity and pore networks. Geoderma, 404, 115297. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.GEODERMA.2021.115297
• Ayers, R. S., & Westcot, D. W. (1994). Water quality for agriculture. FAO Irrigation And Drainage Paper. 29 Rev. 1. Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome. https://www.fao.org/4/t0234e/T0234E01.htm. Access date: 2 October 2024
• Barik, R., & Pattanayak, S. K. (2019). Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation of green spaces in the Rourkela city of Odisha, India. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 8, 428–438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2019.01.005
• Batarseh, M., Imreizeeq, E., Tilev, S., Al Alaween, M., Suleiman, W., Al Remeithi, A. M., Al Tamini, M. K., & Al Alawneh, M. (2021). Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation in the arid regions using irrigation water quality index (IWQI) and GIS-Zoning maps: Case study from Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE. Groundwater for Sustainable Development, 14, 100611. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.gsd.2021.100611
• Berhe, B. A. (2020). Evaluation of ground water and surface water quality suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes in Kombolcha town area, eastern Amhara Region, Ethopia. Applied Water Science, 10(6), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-020-01210-6
• Coli, M,, Pezzini Rangel. A., Silva Souza, E., Ferraro Oliveira, M., & Nascimento Chiaradia, A. (2015). Chloride concentration in red wines: influence of terroir and grape type. Food Science and Technology, 35(1), 95–99. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-457X.6493
• Dewis, J. and Freitas, F. (1970). Physical and chemical methods of soil and water analysis. F.A.O. Soils Bulletin. No. 10. Rome: FAO. 275 pp.
• Dhembare, A. J. (2012). Assessment of water quality indices for irrigation of Dynaneshwar Dam Water, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India. Archives of Applied Science Research, 4(1), 348–352.
• Doneen, L. D. (1964). Notes on Water Quality in Agriculture. Published as Water Science and Engineering, Paper 4001, Department of Water Science and Engineering, University of California, Davis
• Egbueri, J. C., Mgbenu, C. N., Digwo, D. C., and Nnyigide, C. S. (2023). A multi-criteria water quality evaluation for human consumption, irrigation and industrial purposes in Umunya area, southeastern Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 103(14), 3351-3375. https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2021.1907360
• Emami, H., Astaraei, A., Fotovat, R. A., & M. Khotabaei. (2014). Effect of Soil Conditioners on Cation Ratio of Soil Structural Stability, Structural Stability Indicators in a Sodic Soil, and on Dry Weight of Maize. Arid Land Research and Management, 28, 325–339. https://doi.org/10.1080/15324982.2013.856357
• Er, H., & Sevik, F. (2023). Water quality assessment for irrigation canals case study in the Bingol, Turkey. Thermal Science, 27(4 Part B), 3299-3311. https://doi.org/10.2298/TSCI2304299E
• Ewaid, S. H. (2018). Irrigation water quality of Al-Gharraf Canal, south of Iraq. IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series, 1003, 012006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1003/1/012006
• Fipps, G., (2003). Irrigation water quality standards and salinity management strategies. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. https://gfipps.tamu.edu/files/2021/11/EB-1667-Salinity.pdf. Access date: 18th October 2024.
• González-Acevedo, Z. I., Padilla-Reyes, D. A., & Ramos-Leal, J. A. (2016). Quality assessment of irrigation water related to soil salinization in Tierra Nueva, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Geológicas, 33(3), 271-285.
• Grow Abundant Gardens (2024). Bicarbonates in Irrigation Water. Grow Abundant Gardens. https://growabundant.com/bicarbonates-in-irrigation-water/. Access date: 7 October 2024
• Gupta, S.K., & Gupta, I. C. (1987). Management of saline soils and waters. New Delhi: Oxford and IBH Publishing Company.
• Hailu, B., & Mehari, H. (2021). Impacts of Soil Salinity/Sodicity on Soil-Water Relations and Plant Growth in Dry Land Areas: A Review. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 12(3), 1-10.
• Houssou, A. M., Ahouansou Montcho, S., Montchowui, E. and Bonou, C. A. (2017). Spatial and Seasonal Characterization of Water Quality in the Ouémé River Basin (Republic of Benin, West Africa). Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 60(6), 1077- 1090. https://doi.org/10.21608/EJCHEM.2017.1463.1095
• Hu, F. N., Xu, C. Y., Li, H., Li, S., Yu, Z. H., Li, Y., & He, X. H. (2015). Particle Interaction Forces and Their Effects on Soil Aggregates Breakdown. Soil and Tillage Research, 147, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2014.11.006
• Huang, G. Z., Hsu, T. C., Yu, C. K., Huang, J. C., & Lin, T. C. (2020). Dilution and precipitation dominated regulation of stream water chemistry of a volcanic watershed. Journal of Hydrology, 583, 124564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.124564
• Hwang, J. Y., Park, S., Kim, H. K., Kim, M. S., Jo, H. J., Kim, J. I., Lee, G. M., Shin, I., & Kim, T. (2017). Hydrochemistry for the assessment of groundwater quality in Korea. Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment, 6(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.4236/jacen.2017.61001
• Ingrao, C., Strippoli, R., Lagioia, G. and Huisingh, D. (2023). Water scarcity in agriculture: An overview of causes, impacts and approaches for reducing the risks. Heliyon, 9, e18507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18507
• Ishikawa, N., Ishioka, G., Yanaka, M., Takata, K., & Murakami, M (2015). Effects of Ammonium Chloride Fertilizer and its Application Stage on Cadmium Concentrations in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grain. Plant Production Science, 18(2), 137–145. https://doi.org/10.1626/pps.18.137
• Joshi, D. M., Kumar, A., & Agrawal, N. (2009). Assessment of the irrigation water quality of River Ganga in Haridwar District India. Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, 2(2), 285–292
• Kelley, W. P. (1940). Permissible composition and concentration of irrigation water. Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, 66, 607-613.
• Khatri, K., Jha, B. R., Khadka, U. R., & Gurung, S. (2022). Evaluation of multiple water quality indices for irrigation purposes for the Bheri and Babai River systems, Nepal. Nepal Journal of Environmental Science, 10(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3126/njes.v10i2.47867
• Kuldeep, P. K., Kamboj, P., & Mathur, A. K. (2022). Analysis of Irrigation Water Quality Indices for Chambal River at Kota, Rajasthan, India. ECS Transactions, 107(1), 10797-10810. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.10797ecst
• Kundu, R., & Ara, M. H. (2019). Irrigation water quality assessment of Chitra River, southwest Bangladesh. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 7(4), 175-191. https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2019.74011
• Li, X., Ding, C., Zhang, T., Wang, X., & Chen, H. (2018). Oil microbial community response to pH and plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in different soils. Journal of Basic Microbiology, 58(10), 872–882.
• Malakar, A., Snow, D. D., & Ray, C. (2019). Irrigation Water Quality—A Contemporary Perspective. Water, 11,1482. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11071482
• Mba, R., & Ugosor, S. A. (2024). Dry Season Farming among Youths: A Panacea to Food Insecurity in North Central, Nigeria. Direct Research Journal of Agriculture. & Food Science, 12(2), 232-239. https://doi.org/10.26765/DRJAFS902635767.
• Menberu, Z., Mogesse, B., & Reddythota, D. (2021). Evaluation of Water Quality and Eutrophication Status of Hawasse Lake Based on Different Water Quality Indices. Applied Water Science, 11(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-021-01385-6
• Misaghi, F., Delgosha, F., Razzaghmanesh, M., & Myers, B. (2017). Introducing a water quality index for assessing water for irrigation purposes: A case study of the Ghezel Ozan River. Science of The Total Environment, 589, 107-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.226
• Mohanavelu, A., Naganna, S.R., & Al-Ansari, N. (2021). Irrigation Induced Salinity and Sodicity Hazards on Soil and Groundwater: An Overview of Its Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Strategies. Agriculture, 11, 983. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11100983
• Niu, G., Rodriguez, D., & Aguiniga, L. (2008). Effect of saline water irrigation on growth and physiological responses of three rose rootstocks. HortScience, 43, 1479–1484. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.43.5.1479
• Nollet, L. M. L., & De Gelder, L. S. P. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of Water Analysis (3rd ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/b15314
• Oster, J. D., Sposito, G., & Smith, C. J. (2016). Accounting for Potassium and Magnesium in Irrigation Water Quality Assessment. California Agriculture, 70, 71–76.
• Paliwal, K. V. (1972). Irrigation with Saline Water. IARI, New Delhi Monogram No. 2 (New Series): New Delhi 198
• PennState Extension (2022). Interpreting irrigation water tests. Pennsylvania State University. https://extension.psu.edu/interpreting-irrigation-water-tests. Access date: 10th October 2024.
• Porter, D. O., & Marek, E. (2006). Irrigation management with saline water, Texas A&M University, Research and Extension Center.
• Rawat, K. S., Singh, S. K., & Gautam, S. K. (2018). Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation use: A peninsular case study. Applied Water Science, 8(8), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-018-0866-8
• Rengasamy, P., & Marchuk, A. (2011). Cation ratio of soil structural stability (CROSS), Soil Research, 49(3), 280–285
• Richards, L. A. (Ed.). (1954). Diagnosis and Improvement of Saline and Alkali Soils. Agriculture Handbook No. 60. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington, D.C.
• Sappa, G., Ergul, S., & Ferranti, F. (2014). Water quality assessment of carbonate aquifers in southern Latium region, Central Italy: A case study for irrigation and drinking purposes. Applied Water Science, 4, 115–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-013-0135-9
• Sarkar, M., Pal, S. C., & Islam, A. (2022). Groundwater quality assessment for safe drinking water and irrigation purposes in Malda district. Eastern India. Environmental Earth Sciences, 81, 52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-022-10188-0
• Shil, S. Singh, U. K., & Mehta, P. (2019). Water Quality Assessment of a Tropical River Using Water Quality Index (WQI), Multivariate Statistical Techniques and GIS. Applied Water Sciences, 9 (7): 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-1045-2
• Soomro, S. A., Hao, L., Memon, G. A., Junejo, A. R., Niu, W., Channa, Z. A., Chandio, M. K., Channa, J. A., Alkahtani, J., & Dahri, J. (2024). Comprehensive Analysis of Groundwater Suitability for Irrigation in Rural Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. Agronomy, 14, 1072. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051072
• Tekile, A. K. (2023). Suitability Assessment of Surface Water Quality for Irrigation: A Case Study of Modjo River, Ethiopia. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/1482229
• Tüzüner, A. (1990). Soil and water analysis laboratories handbook. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs, General Directorate of Rural Services, Ankara, Turkey.
• Ukoha-Onuoha, E., Fubara-Manuel, I., Jumbo, R. B., & Ikrang, E. (2022). Assessment of river water quality for irrigation using multiple indices. Journal of Research in Environmental and Earth Sciences, 8(3), 53-60.
• USGS (2018). Hardness of Water. Water Science School. United States Geological Survey. https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/hardness-water. Access date: 7th August 2024.
• Ustaoğlu, F., & Tepe, Y. (2019). Water quality and sediment contamination assessment of Pazarsuyu Stream, Turkey using multivariate statistical methods and pollution indicators, International Soil and Water Conservation Research, 7(1), 47-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.09.001.
• Ustaoğlu, F., Taş, B., Tepe, Y., & Topaldemir, H. (2021). Comprehensive assessment of water quality and associated health risk by using physicochemical quality indices and multivariate analysis in Terme River, Turkey. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28, 62736–62754. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15135-3
• Wilcox, L.V. (1955). Classification and use of irrigation waters (No. 969). US Department of Agriculture.
• Wisialowski, K. (2023). Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Irrigation, and Soil Health. Tapscore. https://mytapscore.com/blogs/tips-for-taps/sodium-adsorption-ratio-irrigation-and-soil-health. Access date: 25th January 2025.
• Yan, S., Zhang, T., Zhang, B., Zhang, T., Cheng, Y., Wang, C., Luo, M., Feng, H., & Siddique, K. H. M. (2023). The higher relative concentration of K+ to Na+ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt-leaching efficiency and structural stability. Soil, 9, 339–349. https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-339-2023
• Yerli, C., & Sahin, U. (2022). Quality proficiency to crop, soil and ırrigation system of recycled wastewater from the Van/Edremit wastewater treatment plant. Yuzuncu Yil University Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 32(3), 497-506. https://doi.org/10.29133/yyutbd.1139773
• Zaidi, F. K., Mogren, S., Mukhopadhyay, M., & Ibrahim, E. (2016). Evaluation of Groundwater Chemistry and Its Impact on Drinking and Irrigation Water Quality in the Eastern Part of the Central Arabian Graben and Trough System, Saudi Arabia. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 120, 208-219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2016.05.012
• Zaman, M., Shahid, S. A., & Heng, L. (2018). Guideline for Salinity Assessment, Mitigation and Adaptation Using Nuclear and Related Techniques, Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96190-3