Impact Assessment of Poultry Discharge on the Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Water Quality of Olosuru Stream in Ikire, Southwestern Nigeria

摘要

This study investigated the impact assessment of poultry wastes discharge from a nearby poultry farm on the physico-chemical and microbiological water quality of Olosuru Stream, Ikire, Southwestern Nigeria. Five sampling stations (designated A, B, C, D and E) each located at 250 m interval along the course of the stream were selected for the study. The physico-chemical parameters in the water body vary in concentration along spatial, monthly and seasonal variation of Olosuru stream. The patterns of spatial distribution of physico-chemical parameters measured for the stream were generally similar except for calcium and hardness which showed significant difference for the five stations. The overall mean values of most of the parameters investigated; pH (7.45 ± 0.24), conductivity (628.69 ± 255.95 μs/cm), TDS (377.3 ± 153.55 mg/L), sulphate (10.89 ± 2.37 mg/L), BOD_5 (3.19 ± 2.35 mg/L), cadmium, arsenic, manganese, total heterotrophic bacteria count (15,080.67 ± 20,250.67 cfu/ml), total coliform bacteria count (3226 ± 8426.70 cfu/ml) and total heterotrophic fungi count (2567.4 ± 7652.12 cfu/ml) were negatively impacted by poultry wastes dumping into the stream. The concentrations of most parameters exceeded recommended permissible limits of the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water and World Health Organization for freshwater quality. The water source is therefore deemed not potable and poses hazards to public health if consumed without treatment. There is urgent need for improved management strategies of this water resource for continued sustainability.