1Department of Physics and Electronics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria
2Department of Integrated Science, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
The release of industrially polluted sewage into rivers and drains in populated areas around the rolling mill of Ile-Ife stands to pose harmful environmental threats. The study determines the pollution level of wastewater from this industry using physio-chemical characteristics and evaluated its impact on the near environment. The paper presents the physio-chemical characteristics of wastewater from the steel rolling mill of Ile-Ife which uses scrap metals as raw material. The wastewater from this industry is characterized by color, extreme quantities of BOD, pH, TDS, DO and SS. The wastewater samples were collected along four points from the inlet and outlet of the whole processes of production plant of rolling mill. The samples were analyzed and compared with the WHO and USEPA standards of sewage discharge. The raw wastewater consists of average pH of 4.5, Suspended Solids of 0.002–1.040 mg/l, Total Dissolved Solids ranges from 0.84–0.94 mg/l, Chloride test values of 199.99–3124.03 mg/l and BOD varies from 2900-21000 mg/l respectively. After treatment pH read 7.0, Suspended Solids 0.002–0.06 mg/l, Total dissolved solids ranges from 0.03–0.18 mg/l, Chloride test values from 0.99–1.2 mg/l and BOD ranges from 4000-17500 mg/l respectively.
Result shows that the pH and TDS is in the permissible limits and BOD, SS does not meet the permissible standards after treatment. Hence the mill does not meet the Standards set by the WHO and USEPA. Domestic and industrial waste should be properly disposed and or recycled. Relevant agencies should make continuous effort to control, regulate and educate populace and the management of the mill on indiscriminate waste disposal from domestic and industries within the study area.
Physio-chemical, pollution, wastewater, sewage, industrial
