Municipal Waste: Effect on the Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Parameters of Otamiri River in Owerri, Nigeria

Water is necessary to live on earth as all organisms contain it, some live in it and others drink it. Plants and animals require moderately pure water, and they cannot survive if their water is loaded with toxic chemicals or harmful microorganisms. If severe, water pollution can kill large numbers of fish, birds, and in some cases, killing all members of a species in an affected area. The level of its physical, chemical and biological impurities defines the quality of the water. Water quality is evaluated relative to its intended use. Extensive scrutiny of water used for diverse activities is necessary because numerous pathogens can live in them especially waters used as a source of drinking water like streams, lakes, ponds, and oceans [1].