Environmental Impacts of Effluent Discharge from A Rice Processing Factory on River Benue’s Water Quality in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of industrial pollution on the environment surrounding a rice processing factory in Makurdi. Water samples were collected from five different sampling points within and around the factory premises in January 2018. The investigation focused on evaluating the effects of industrial discharge at these sampling points. Several key parameters indicative of pollution, including pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, copper, nitrate, and phosphate, were carefully analyzed. Sampling activities were conducted at weekly intervals over three weeks. Both field and laboratory investigations were carried out, revealing that the physico-chemical characteristics of the water samples indicated stressed water quality concerning pH (acidity), turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). However, certain parameters, namely temperature, copper, nitrate, and phosphate, remained within the acceptable environmental regulatory limits, suggesting no significant pollution from these factors. Notably, the sampling points 1, 2, 3, and 4 were located at distances of 10 meters, 20 meters, 30 meters, and 40 meters, respectively, from the point of discharge, but they were situated in different locations. This variation in distance may have contributed to the observed differences in water quality. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all waste discharged from the factory be subjected to pollution control measures. Additionally, the practice of open discharge should be thoroughly reviewed to minimize potential health and pollution hazards to both human populations and the ecosystem.