This study assessed the Effects of Economic Activities on River Benue Water Quality: Case studies of Rice Mill Wadata and Pure Biotech Company Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study include; to examine and analyse the physical, chemical, biological/microbiological water quality and to examine the suitability of water for human consumption and its implications for public health in the study area. Water samples were collected from 3 sample location (River Benue at Abinsi, the waste water discharge points of the Pure Biotech Company and Rice Mill Wadata). The study used purposive sampling technique to select the points (upstream, midstream, and downstream) were water samples were collected and analyzed for various parameters. Raw data (water samples) were analysed at Greater Makurdi Water Works Laboratory, Makurdi while the results were presented via frequencies in a tabular form. Results showed that all locations exceeded Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and World Health Organization (WHO) limits for colour, turbidity, Cr6+, and total coliform. High biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels indicated organic pollution. The study concludes that water quality in all locations is compromised, posing potential health risks. The study recommended strengthening environmental regulations on waste management before discharging in to the river, regular monitoring, treatment, and mitigation measures to improve water quality as well as engaging in public health education in and around the communities around riverine areas.
Keywords: River Benue, Water Quality, environmental regulations, industrial pollution, public health
