Effects of Solid Wastes on Ukwaka Stream, Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract

Deteriorating of water qualities is grave consequences of open wastes dumping which have resulted in growing public concern. In this study, the effects of solid wastes were identified. Industrial and domestic solid wastes have been linked to numerous environmental pollution problems ranging from long-term environmental degradation to increased incidence of water borne disease. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of solid waste on the water quality of Ukwaka stream in Nnewi, Nigeria. Both the upstream and downstream sampled water from the selected points were analyzed according to the standard method of American Public Health Association (APHA). The parameters analysed were: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and Heavy Metals like copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. AAS was used to analyze the heavy metals. Results of the study showed that the water was slightly acidic; the color was dark blown and emitted the noxious smell. The water collected from the point just after the solid waste is contaminated most when compared with other points. There was moderate contamination of the environment by the metals studied. Results of the heavy metals were high, with iron and zinc being exceptionally high and above the specified international standards. This study indicated that solid waste from households and the community is a serious health hazard. Also industrialization has contributed to the large-scale pollution and this polluted water is not good for human consumption. It is therefore recommended that the disposal of untreated wastes should be stopped to save the stream water from further deterioration.