Assessment of some physicochemical and microbial properties of sawdust polluted creek

Abstract

This study is carried out to assess some physicochemical and microbial properties of sawdust polluted creek of Owhase, in Udu local government area of Delta State, Nigeria. The water samples were collected for both dry and wet seasons, covering a total period of four (4) months. Water samples were analyzed for pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), turbidity, total suspended solids (TDS), acidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), Salinity as chloride, nitrate, sulphate, phosphates, cations (Ca, Mg, Na and K), total coliform count-bacteria. Finding from this study revealed that the Owhase creek is contaminated with sawmill activities and such pollutants are beyond the tolerant limit of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Department of Petroleum Resources, and Standard Organization of Nigeria. Hence, there is need for collaboration among government agencies, communities and industry stakeholders to review anthropogenic and industrial activities around the region in order to effectively combat creek pollution.