Impact of Aluminium Company Wastewater on Water Quality along the Drainage

An assessment of the impact of wastewater discharged from Aluminium Company into an open drainage was carried out, as a result of the linkage of the drains to nearby wat er body used for cultivation. Wastewater samples we re collected two points before discharged point (BDP), point of disc harge (POD) and three points after discharged point (ADP) during the months of February and March, 2011. Physicochemical parameters and metals (Al, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analysed in the wastewater. Physicochemical parameters were analysed using the APHA standard methods while metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. pH values of the BDP, POD and ADP were found to be in the range of 5.00-6.20; 6.35-6.70 and 4.80-5.9 respectively. pH results of the various sampling points were above t he permissible level of FMENV guideline regulation; this shows the effects of other activities apart from this aluminium wa stewater. The BOD and COD results at various points were not within t he regulatory limit. The metal mainly Cr, Cu, Ni an d Pb are all within the limit of discharge while Al and Zn with mean va lues of BDP, POD and ADP were 47.2±2.0 and 2.67±0.06; 51.5±0.3 and 2.81±0.04; and 44.1±5.9 and 2.58±0.05 are not within the stipulated FMENV guideline regulation. Te st (p=0.05) showed significant difference between BDP and ADP in some water quality parameters analysed. It is exp edient to treat the wastewater prior to discharge into open drains.