Seasonal variation in bacterial heavy metal biosorption in water samples from Eziama river near soap and brewery industries and the environmental health implications

Abstract

Seasonal variation in bacterial heavy metals biosorption from soap and brewery industrial effluent samples from Eziama River in Abia State were analyzed for Pb, Hg, Fe, Zn, As, and Mn, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bioaccumulation of the metals by bacteria showed the following trend > Fe >Zn >As > Pb > Mn (Rainy Season) and Zn > Fe > Mn > As > Hg > Pb (Dry season). Statistical analysis using of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in concentrations of Pb, Hg, Fe, Zn, As, and Mn level between the sampling zones at Eziama River. Seasonal changes in heavy metal concentrations, showed increases in Pb, Fe, and As from 1. Key words: Industrial effluent, water contamination, heavy metals, health effects INTRODUCTIONIndustrial effluent characteristics provide basic information about the integrity of the aquatic habitat within such rivers and streams into which they are discharged. Most of these effluents pose inestimable harm to which the microbial entity is the most adversely affected (Dallas, 2004;Barnes,). Most of the industrial effluents are shown to contain significant concentrations of inorganic chemicals which affect not only the normal pH values but also lead to the hardness of the water. These aquatic environments may put some components of the habitat on a disadvantaged position. Industrial effluents from soap manufacturing industries are known to contain complex chemicals most of which are very toxic and are capable of destroying the microbial habitats in a serious adverse way. For example, el-Gohary, et al., (1987) presented the wastewater management of an industrial complex, which produces different products, i.e. soap, perfume extract, macaroni, jam and juices. A continuous monitoring programme effluents and characterization of the composite wastewater from both soap and brewery manufacturing processes indicated that the waste was highly contaminated with organic compounds as indicated by COD and BOD values. Moreover, effluent from the soap manufacturing plant contains significant concentrations of oil and grease amounting to 563 mg l-1. Soap manufacturing effluent and the combined wastes discharged from the whole industrial complex were subjected to different treatment processes, namely dissolved air flotation, chemical coagulationsedimentation, and biological treatment via a completely mixed activated sludge process (Agedengbe, et al., 2003). The purpose of this present study is mainly to determine the seasonal variation in heavy metal biosorption by bacteria isolated from Eziama River near Soap and Brewery Industries in Aba, Abia State Nigeria and to discuss the overall environmental Health implications. Seasonal variation in bacterial heavy MATERIALS AND METHODS Sampling location and backgroundThe industrial effluent water samples for this analysis were obtained from selected representative areas of the Eziama River directly affected by the Soap and Brewery industries discharges. The sampling area within the Eziama River and the sampling point stretches from the Ok...

Assessment and Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals and Mineral Elements in River Sokoto, North-western Nigeria

“…Pollution and contamination of natural water bodies by industrial effluents, agricultural practices and domestic activities have emerged as major challenges in developing and densely populated countries like Nigeria. Many bodies of water in Nigeria experience seasonal fluctuations, leading to a higher concentration of pollutants during the dry season when effluents are least diluted (Kanu et al, 2006). The industrial discharge contributes a larger portion of the flow of the river during the dry season, with the result that water quality of the river is further deteriorated.…”

Assessment of Presence of Heavy Metals and Other Pollution Burden Parameters and Their Effect on Water Quality in Benin City, Edo State

“…Long‐term exposure to copper can cause irritation of the nose, mouth, and eyes, headache, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea, with excessive concentrations causing liver and kidney damage. The findings of this research confirms the study by Iongwai, Kharbuli, Khathing, and Jha () and Kanu, Achi, Ezeronye, and Anyanwa (), who have found metals in Koi carp ponds and the Eziama River, respectively, with possible anthropogenic causes.…”

Bioassays based on higher plants as excellent dosimeters for ecotoxicity monitoring: A review

“…Wastewater discharged from brewery industries has high nitrogen, cleaning and washing reagents (Kanu et al, 2006). The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of brewery, rubber and bottling industries wastewater was evaluated by CA test in A. cepa meristematic cells (Olorunfemi et al, 2011b).…”