Effects of Anthropogenic Activities and Particulate Matters on the Water Qualities of Lakes Gerio and Njuwa, Yola Adamawa State
1Ogwu; Friday Adejoh; & Kwabuge; Abigail Peter2
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola
2Federal University Wukari
Email: fridayogwu@mautech.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
This paper evaluated the effects of anthropogenic activities and particulate matter on water qualities of lakes Gerio (LG) and Njuwa (LN). The paper conducted pH and coliform tests in order to assess water quality
and identify major activities causing deterioration of lakes. Random system of data sampling was used during the collection of primary data which involved collection of water samples from both lakes at random. These
water samples were tested in the microbiology laboratory. Both water turned out to contain coliforms and Lake Gerio had a pH of 6.5 while Lake Njuwa had pH of 6.0 which were both within the acidic pH range.
The paper observed that the activities taking place around the lakes include; farming with the use of farm inputs like fertilizers, herbicides etc. Also, activities like fishing, washing, bathing, as well as deposition of
human and animals’ urine and faeces were common. All these activities affect the water quality of both lakes. Sedimentation and erosion of river also introduce particular matter to the lakes. Based on these findings, the
paper proffered some recommendations to reduce the further contamination of the lakes. Key words: Anthropogenic activities, particulate matters, lakes, Yola
