Effect of degradation on microbiological and physiochemical parameters of domestic wastewaters from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Domestic wastewater from ten (10) different residential halls in the Federal University of Technology, Akure were collected and analyzed by considering microbiological and physiochemical characteristics and their degradation with time. Pour plating technique was used for the microbiological analysis, physico-chemical parameters were assayed using the American Public Health Association methods, while degradation was non-synthetic. The rates of degradation, changes in physicochemical parameters as well as the microbial composition were studied using standard methods. The result showed that all the samples were heavily populated with microorganisms, having microbial load of 1.86 x 107 cfu/ml. The coliform was highest in sample from Akindeko hostel with a microbial load of 1.85 x 107 cfu/ml. A total of sixteen bacterial isolates were identified among which are Proteus vulgaris, Shigella dysenteriae, Serratia marcescens and Clostridium botulinum. Eight fungi were isolated with Aspergillus flavus predominating. The pH values were all alkaline ranging from 7.10 to 9.20. The dissolved oxygen decreased with increased days of degradation. Conductivity of the wastewater also increased with days of degradation while the total dissolved solid decreased with increased days of degradation. Mineral analysis showed decrease in all the samples with increase in days of degradation. The studied wastewaters are therefore toxic and should not be discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment and certification of their safety level microbiologically.

Key words: Akure, residential halls, wastewater, physico-chemical, degradation, microbiological.