Hydrochemical studies of Cross River Basin (southeastern Nigeria) river systems using cross plots, statistics and water quality index

Water quality assessment study of the three major rivers within the Cross River Basin have been carried out using cross plots, ionic ratio, correlation analysis, factor analysis and water quality index (WQI) based on the World Health Organization and world average data guidelines. The primary aim was to determine their suitability for domestic and irrigation uses, while the secondary aim was to determine the sources of the ions in the river water. The results showed that the water samples from the Cross River estuary generally had elevated values of dissolved ions as compared to the Calabar and Great Kwa Rivers. Cross plots, ionic ratios, correlation and factor analyses showed tidal influence, silicate weathering, nitrate pollution and dissolution of carbonate minerals from soil CO₂ as the origin of the variables. Chemical indices including sodium adsorption ratio and residual sodium carbonate indicate that the river water of the study area are suitable for domestic and irrigation, while sodium percentage (Na %) indicate unsuitability for irrigation applications. The WQI values on the average indicate water of very poor to excellent quality. Generally in terms of quality for the different rivers, the Great Kwa River is best as compared to the Calabar River and Cross River estuary for domestic and irrigation purposes.