Assessment of Nutri-Chemical Concentration Levels of Wastewater from Drains Adjacent Cement and Associated Factories in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to ascertain the level of Nutri-chemical parameters from the drains adjacent the cement industry, gas tank farm and other associated activities in the Iwofe by Eagle cement road (now Dangote). This was premeditated by the industrial activities and high employment rate within the study area. Three sample points for each station made up of three composite samples were made labelled R, S, T selected based on distance from target cement factory (100m, 250m and 400m respectively) and corresponding control points of Rc, Sc and Tc respectively were used. The Nutri-chemical parameters of pH, DO, NO3-, PO43-, SO42-, NH4+ were determined using Horiba pH meter, Modified Azide or Winkler Method, Ultraviolet Spectrophotometric Screening Method, Stannous Chloride Method, Turbidimetric method and the Phenate method respectively (all parameters measured in mg/l except pH in units). Result showed the following ranges for pH, DO, NO3-, PO43-, SO42-, NH4+ were 7.14±0.01-7.22±0.01, 0.00±0.00-0.58±0.26, 4.45±0.064.75±0.08, 5.10±0.23-6.30±0.30, 0.40±0.12-0.90±0.20 and 2.68±0.36-3.70±0.22 respectively. The results showed that pH, nitrates and sulphates were within regulatory limits (WHO, NSDWQ, FEPA, NESREA, USEPA, SON etc) but DO, phosphate and ammonia are much above allowable limits by these regulatory agencies which poses great danger to both ground water and water usage for other beneficial uses. The oneway ANOVA and t-test showed no significant variations (p<0.05). There must be deliberate attempt by relevant agencies to monitor the indiscriminate waste dump, effluents and anthropogenic inputs within this area as residential safety, hence groundwater pollution is gradual been threatened.