Physicochemical Parameters and Water Quality for Livestock Consumption from selected Lakes in the Upper Benue Valley Area of Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This experiment involves laboratory assessment of physicochemical properties and water quality for livestock consumption from selected lakes in the upper Benue valley area of Adamawa State, Nigeria has been carried out. The studied lakes were purposively selected on the bases of size and function as drinking points for livestock in the area. Water samples were collected and analyzed in dry and wet seasons of 2013 using standard procedures and results were evaluated using National Acedemy of Science (NAS) recommended drinking water standards for livestock. Values of Physicochemical and toxic parameters with the exception of cadmium for Lake Geriyo were found within permissible limits for livestock consumption. This confirms the lakes as good water sources for livestock in the area. However, there are the possibility of future accumulation of the parameters in the lakes observed. Therefore, proper management plans are required to protect the lakes from contaminants accumulation in order to sustain water quality in the study area.