SEASONAL VARIATION IN PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER FROM FOUR SPRINGS IN YANKARI GAME RESERVE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigates seasonal variations in the physico-chemical parameters of four warm springs which included Wikki, Dimil, Gwana, and Mawulgo located within Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected during the dry (November 2019–March 2020) and rainy (June–September 2020) seasons and analyzed for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, nitrates, chlorides, sulphates, conductivity, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and organic matter percentage. Results revealed significant seasonal differences (p ≤ 0.05) among springs. DO and nitrate concentrations were generally higher in the rainy season, reflecting enhanced dilution and runoff, while BOD, turbidity, and DOM levels increased during the dry season, likely due to concentration effects and reduced water flow. Wikki and Dimil Springs demonstrated relatively better water quality across seasons, whereas Gwana and Mawulgo showed higher pollutant loads. These findings highlight the influence of seasonal hydrological cycles on spring water quality and underscore the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable management practices to conserve the ecological integrity of the Yankari Game Reserve springs.