Analysis of Effluent Management among Medium and Large Scale Agro-Allied Industries in South West, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed effluent management among medium and large scale agro-allied industries in South west, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling techniques was employed in selecting 287 MLS agro-allied industries (MSAAI=222; LSAAI=65). Data for this study was obtained from primary sources using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and relevant inferential statistics such as one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s chi-square test and ordinal Probit regression model were used for data analysis. The study revealed a minimum, maximum and average daily end of pipe volume of 430kg, 8000kg and 3084.21kg, respectively, for medium scale agro-allied industries and 520kg, 15,000kg and 3,534.72kg, respectively, for large scale agro-allied industries with an average proportion (53.6% and 49.0%) of medium and large scale agro-allied industries generating between 1001kg and 3000kg of effluent per day during agro-allied industrial processes. The result also indicated the quantity of end-of-pipe effluents recycled to be 436.08kg and 695.54kg for medium and large scale agro-allied industries, respectively which from the independent t-test statistics, there was a significant difference between the mean quantity of effluent recycled by medium scale agro-allied industries in comparison with the mean quantity of effluent recycled by large scale agro-allied industries (t=12.021; p<0.05). Based on comparing effluent treatment levels/systems between M&LSAI in South west Nigeria. The result revealed an average proportion (57.7%) of medium scale agro-allied industries to have disposed of their end-of-pipe without treatment, while 42.3% treated their end-of-pipe mainly through ponding or sedimentation (20.3%), aeration/membrane filtration (10.4%), chlorination and neutralisation or physicochemical treatment (4.5%) etc. By contrast, a very few proportion (15.4%) of large scale agro-allied industries disposed of their end-of-pipe without treatment, while majority (84.6%) treated end-of-pipe mainly through ponding or sedimentation (18.5%), aeration/membrane filtration (29.2%), chlorination and neutralisation or physicochemical treatment (15.4%) etc. The ordinal Probit regression model of socio-institutional predictors influencing effluent treatment level among M&LSAI in South west Nigeria showed significant variables viz: frequency of visit by waste management agency (-0.2605122 and -0.0849263); M&LSAI income (-1.94e-12 and 4.66e-14); membership of association (-0.7487836 and -0.5136997); and waste management satisfaction level (-0.2552832 and -0.1250288) respectively. The study recommended activities that increase industrial income, membership in associations and orientation on the anti-satisfaction with the status quo of effluent management to promote enhanced effluent treatment level/practices. How to Cite: Ude Kingsley David, Okoye C. U., Arene C. J., et. al., 2024. "Analysis of Effluent Management among Medium and Large Scale Agro-Allied Industries in South West, Nigeria." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 9, pp. 30-41.