ANALYSIS OF SEASONAL VARIATION ON PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF GANGAMA DAM, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study analyzed the physico-chemical parameters of Gangama Dam, Gwaram, Jigawa State, Nigeria, over a period of 12 months (July 2023–June 2024). Monthly water quality assessments included temperature, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, phosphorus, and nitrogen using portable instruments, while dissolved carbon dioxide, ammonia, and biological oxygen demand were measured in laboratories. The lowest mean water temperature (17.40 ± 0.60°C) was recorded at Station C in January, while the highest (28.5 ± 0.43°C) occurred at Station B in May. Turbidity ranged from 16.52 ± 0.33 cm (April) 73.45 ± 7.23 cm (March). The highest depth (6.66 ± 0.85 cm) was recorded in September. pH values varied from 6.2 ± 0.52 (June) to 8.9 ± 0.33 (December). Dissolved oxygen peaked at 7.67 ± 0.77 mg/L (April) and dropped to 3.50 ± 0.66 mg/L (October). Significant monthly variations (P < 0.05) were observed in some parameters. While most values fell within permissible limits, certain parameters showed notable correlations. The study recommends the preventing of pollution by avoiding disposal of chemicals and toxic substances into the dam.