E.M. BIOSE

This study assessed the physicochemical and microbial characteristics of sediments from the Orhionmwon River, Edo State. The result of the average mean concentration of the physicochemical and microbial parameter are 5.03 ± 0.20( PH), 43.67 ± 10.44 µS/cm, 1212.61 ± 165.52 mg/kg (calcium), 287.33 ± 93.92 mg/kg (Magnesium), 297.91 ± 81.39 mg/kg, (Potassium) 161.62 ± 32.71 mg/kg (sodium), 0.05 ± 0.01 (Nitrogen), 0.51- 0.16 (TOC), 92.18 ± 2.39(sand), 5.94- 2.38(clay), 1.88 - 0.03(slit), 27.24 ± 10.41(THC), 4.00 ± 1.01 (THC), 1.52 ±0.31(THF), 73.11 ± 11.39( E.coil), and 187.78 - 36.46 (coliform) respectively . Sand and slit showed no significant difference (p>0.05), why pH, EC, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, nitrogen, TOC, clay, THC, THB, THF, E.coli and coliform respectively exhibit a significant difference (p <0.05) across the three sampling stations . The study concluded that the microbial parameters in the sediments were very high. The findings highlight both natural geological influence and serious human impact, posing a clear public health risk. It recommends regular sediment monitoring and urgent improvements in waste management to protect both the environment and community health.