MONTHLY VARIATION OF THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF EFFLUENTS FROM RIMCO INDUSTRIES NNEWI, NIGERIA

Abstract

The physicochemical properties of effluent waste and sediments from Resources Improvement and Manufacturing Company Limited (Rimco) discharged into down stream end of the Mili Ele pond was monitored monthly from January 2001 to December 2001. Data for most water quality parameters were presented apart from nitrite and sulphite ions that were not detected in the effluent. Although none of the metals was detected at toxic levels their concentration levels in the effluent were highest in the month of February. Biochemical oxygen demand recorded values that ranged between 1.0 – 2.3 mg O2 /L for most part of the year and a remarkable value of 9.4 mg O2 /L in the month of February. The pH values of the effluent ranged between 4.0-7.8. For most part of the year the pH values were less than 5, suggesting that the effluent is generally slightly acidic. Based on analysis of data acquired, the investigation concluded that effluents from Rimco industries are polluting the Akwu Uru area of Nnewi with hydrocarbon and odour of decaying vegetable and palm kernel oil. The monthly profiles of all the physicochemical parameters investigated were presented and were found to follow similar trend.


KEY WORDS: Industrial pollution, effluent, sediments, physicochemical studies, monthly profiles.


Global Jnl Pure & Applied Science Vol.10(1) 2004: 203-210