Abstract

The effect of water treatment plant effluent on its receiving river (Kaduna) was examined. Samples were collected from the effluents discharge from Chanchaga water treatment plant into upstream and down stream of the receiving river monthly for six month. Samples were analyzed in the laboratory for microbial counts and identification, as well as physico-chemical properties. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the sludge recorded the highest number of pathogenic organisms like Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis, Aeromonas hydrophila,Shigella sonnei, Chromobacterium violaceum, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillusfumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger.  The result depicts seasonal changes in which higher numbers of microorganisms were recorded during the raining season. The values of total alkalinity, chloride, dissolve oxygen, sulphate, biochemical oxygen demand, organic matter and turbidity of sludges were all higher than the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) limits for effluent discharge into surface water. The investigation revealed that the water treatment plant effluent may have adverse effects on its immediate environment.

Key words: Effluent, physicochemical, pathogenic microorganisms.