The Effects of Effluent Discharged from Bottling Companies on Algal Composition in Kakuri Stream Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the impact of soft drink effluent on algal composition in Kakuri stream, Kaduna South Local Government Area, Kaduna. Limnological studies of soft drink effluent were carried out for a period covering wet and dry seasons across three (3) sampling points code-named Stations A, B and C. Some physio-chemical parameters were analysed using standard methods. A total of 43 species were observed belonging to 5 families. Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae were the most abundant families across the three (3) stations. The total flora count was high during the dry season, 1965 cells than wet season, 1071 cells. The most dominant species were Euglena sp., Microcystis sp. and Oscillatoria sp. The pH of the three stations was more alkaline (pH 8.1) but reduces slightly at stations B and C during the months of May (pH 5.2) and August (pH 6.5). The biological oxygen demand (BOD) was relatively high across the stations, dissolved oxygen was generally low except for some months (December at station A and January at station B) that had its dissolved oxygen values above 5.00 mg/l. Euglenophyceae showed positive correlation to conductivity and BOD, Chlorophyceae was positively correlated with BOD, Cyanophyceae showed positive relationship with BOD and dissolved oxygen, Charophyceae was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen, Bacillariophyceae showed positive correlation with pH, temperature, phosphorus, BOD and dissolved oxygen. Effluent discharge and farmland run-off passed into the water body supports growth of dominant species indicating organic pollution, thus, poses a threat to the environment over a long period of time.

Keywords: Algae, Effluent, Biological oxygen demand, Dissolved oxygen.