<![CDATA[Water quality at the surface of small tropical streams is extremely vulnerable to diffuse runoff from agriculture and untreated household wastewater. Over six months, this research assessed the physico-chemical quality of Ogbujiriekwe Stream in Nimo, Anambra State, Nigeria, at four sampling stations (rainy season: June–August 2025; dry season: November 2025–January 2026). The parameters examined comprised pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N), phosphate-phosphorus (PO₄-P), sulphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺), boron, and ammonium-nitrogen (NH₄-N). The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated, and the findings were compared against WHO guidelines. Mean NH₄-N levels (2.6–4.6 mg L⁻¹) persistently surpassed the WHO threshold of 1.5 mg L⁻¹, and potassium was likewise elevated, pointing to inputs from agricultural fertilizers and organic waste. Every other major ion stayed within acceptable limits. WQI values spanned 132.9–159.2 (rainy season) to 173.4–244.6 (dry season), rating the water as “unsuitable for human consumption” at all stations and in both seasons.]]>
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