International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy

2019; 7(6): 150-160

http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijepp
doi: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20190706.13
ISSN: 2330-7528 (Print); ISSN: 2330-7536 (Online)

Effects of Solid Waste on the Surface Water Quality of

Usuma River, Phase IV, Kubwa – Abuja, Nigeria
Ogechukwu Franca Eze1, Jibrin Ahmadu1, Bessie Hanis2
1
Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, Nigeria
2
National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria

Email address:
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Corresponding author

To cite this article:

Ogechukwu Franca Eze, Jibrin Ahmadu, Bessie Hanis. Effects of Solid Waste on the Surface Water Quality of Usuma River, Phase IV,
Kubwa – Abuja, Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy. Vol. 7, No. 6, 2019, pp. 150-160.
doi: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20190706.13

Received: November 2, 2019; Accepted: December 11, 2019; Published: December 23, 2019

Abstract: This study has investigated the Effects of Solid Waste on the Surface Water Quality of Usuma River, Phase IV,
Kubwa – Abuja. Indiscriminate dump of Municipal Solid Waste generated by households, Phase IV mini market and wastes
from parks and hotels around the study area is the major source of pollution of the river. Large tons of wastes dumped at the
river bank has often rendered these natural resources unsuitable for both primary and/or secondary usage. Increased
agricultural and domestic activities have led to pollution stress on the surface water of this river. This study assessed the
impacts of waste disposal on the River Usuma in Phase IV Kubwa, assess the variation in the physio-chemical and biological
properties and compare the water quality with WHO standards. Field methods included consultation with Health and Water
Quality Expert, collection of water samples at varying distance, laboratory analysis of water samples using standard
techniques. The analysis revealed the presence of nitrite (0.2mg/L), magnesium (0.2mg/L), fluoride (1.0mg/L), manganese
(0.2mg/L) and cadmium (0.003mg/L) in higher concentration which is above the WHO benchmark (7.1mg/L, 0.28mg/L,
1.04mg/L, 0.61mg/L and 0.013mg/L). The presence of these physio-chemical components are indications that the surface
water of the study area is likely to be responsible for diseases such as typhoid fever, diarhorea and cholera if it is used for the
purpose of drinking. The study also revealed a high Alkalinity with slight changes in turbidity. The contamination varies from
one point of the river to another, indicating that the water is unfit for human consumption as a result of the pollution.
Accordingly, consultation made with the Health and Water Quality Expert expressed the health implications associated with
consumption of water from Usuma River in Phase IV, Kubwa – Abuja. The study has also made recommendations to address
the problems revealed such as; improvement of sanitation of the study area, provision of adequate waste management facilities
while sensitization of the people is given priority, ensuring clean water in the area and efforts to stop dumping of refuse at the
river bank.
Keywords: Effects, Solid Waste, Surface Water, Quality, Usuma River and Phase IV, Kubwa

urban sanitation infrastructure are inadequate and seem not to

1. Introduction be keeping pace with population growth rate. Water bodies,
1.1. Background to the Study especially freshwater resources, which are the major sources
of drinking water, are now major receptacles of treated and
One of the most critical problems of developing countries untreated or partially treated industrial wastes. These water
is improper management of vast amount of wastes generated resources are becoming highly polluted by the activities of
by various human activities. Open and indiscriminate the adjoining populations and industrial establishments.
dumping of solid wastes in drainage channels and riverbanks According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and
is among the problems of improper management of waste in Cultural Organization [2], some 2 million tons of wastes
the developing countries of the world [1]. In Nigeria, current including industrial wastes and chemicals, human wastes and
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2019; 7(6): 150-160 151

agricultural wastes such as fertilizers, pesticides and pesticide In terms of the spatial scope, the study was restricted to
residues are dumped into water bodies per day. This has often Kubwa town only. On the contextual scope, the research was
rendered these natural resources unsuitable for both primary limited to the study of water quality in Phase IV, Usuma
and/or secondary usage [3]. Increased industrial, agricultural River. In terms of temporal scope, water samples were taken
and domestic activities have led to pollution stress on surface in the dry season. The study did not cover other sources of
waters [4]. These wastes alter the physical, chemical and pollution in the study area such as air and noise Pollution.
biological nature of the receiving water body. High levels of
pollutants in stream water systems cause an increase in
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen 2. Conceptual Framework and
demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended Literature Review
solids (TSS), toxic metals such as Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb and
faecal coliform hence making such water unsuitable for 2.1. Concept of Solid Wastes and Water Pollution
drinking, irrigation and aquatic life. Water is typically Solid waste is generated from industrial, residential and
referred to as polluted when it is impaired by anthropogenic commercial activities in a given area. In Simple term, Solid
contaminants and either does not support a human use, such wastes are any discarded or abandoned materials that may be
as drinking water, or undergoes a marked shift in its ability to solid, liquid, and semi-solid or containerized gaseous
support its constituent biotic communities, such as fish. As a material. Waste can be categorized based on its contents,
result of rapid increase in urbanization, industrial and including such materials as plastic, paper, glass, metal, and
agricultural land use, there is growing appreciation that organic waste. Categorization may also be based on hazard
regionally, nationally, and globally, the management of potential, including radioactive, flammable, infectious, toxic,
surface water resources need to be improved and that the or non-toxic. The menace posed by Municipal solid waste,
amount of waste and pollution generated by human activity particularly in the urban areas is one of the gravest
reduced. With competing demands on limited water environmental challenges facing the world, Nigeria for
resources, the problem of improper management of both instance. The problem is exacerbated by urban migration,
solid and liquid waste should be addressed. overpopulation, emergency of urban slums, industrialization,
1.2. Research Questions changes in consumption patterns, inadequate planning, lack
of resources and facilities to sustainably manage the waste
The following research questions were posed in order to that are being generated. Solid waste management in Nigeria
facilitate the investigation. is characterized by inefficient collection methods, insufficient
i. i. What is the quality of the surface water of Usuma coverage of the collection system and improper disposal.
River in Phase IV, Kubwa? Disposal in most Nigerian cities include, co-disposal of
ii. ii. Is there a variation in the physio-chemical and hazardous including hospital wastes with Municipal waste in
biological properties of the water with increasing open, unlined dumpsites, open burning of municipal solid
distance in Usuma River in Phase IV, Kubwa? wastes, dumping on water bodies and in other unauthorized
iii. iii. What is the effect of waste on the surface water place with attendant environmental and health consequences.
quality of Usuma River in Phase IV, Kubwa? Water pollution is a major global problem which requires
iv. iv. Is the surface water of Usuma River in Phase IV ongoing evaluation and revision of water resource policy at
suitable for human consumption? all levels (international down to individual aquifers and
wells). It has been suggested that water pollution is the
1.3. Aim and Objectives leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases and that it
The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of waste accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily.
disposal on Usuma River in Phase IV Kubwa. The specific Water pollution almost, always means that some damage has
objectives were to: been done to an ocean, river, lake, or other water source.
i. Determine the surface water quality consequent upon "The introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of
solid waste disposal on Usuma River in Phase IV substances or energy into the marine environment (including
Kubwa; estuaries) resulting in such deleterious effects as harm to
ii. Determine the variation in the physio-chemical and living resources, hazards to human health, hindrance to
biological properties of the surface water with marine activities, including fishing, impairment of quality for
increasing distance in the study area; use of sea water and reduction of amenities." - [5].
iii. Assessing the effect of waste on the surface water Thus, water pollution is all about quantities: how much of
quality of Usuma River in Phase IV, Kubwa? a polluting substance is released and how big a volume of
iv. Determine the suitability of the surface water of Usuma water it is released into. Virtually any human activity can
River for human consumption. have an effect on the quality of our water environment. When
farmers fertilize the fields, the chemicals they use are
1.4. Scope of the Study gradually washed by rain into the groundwater or surface
waters nearby. Sometimes the causes of water pollution are
This research has spatial, contextual and temporal scope. quite surprising. Chemicals released by smokestacks
152 Ogechukwu Franca Eze et al.: Effects of Solid Waste on the Surface Water Quality of
Usuma River, Phase IV, Kubwa – Abuja, Nigeria

(chimneys) can enter the atmosphere and then fall back to available for domestic, agricultural and industrial use [16].
earth as rain, entering seas, rivers, and lakes and causing The quantity of available freshwater is thus linked to quality
water pollution. There are also two different ways in which which may limit its use [17]. Human activities such as the
pollution can occur; if pollution comes from a single indiscriminate dumping of refuse and channelling of
location, such as a discharge pipe attached to a factory, it is untreated domestic and industrial effluents into rivers reduce
known as point-source pollution. But when the water water quality and also reduce the uses to which water can be
polluted is not from one single source but from many put. Poor water quality has an impact on the quantity of
different scattered sources, it is called nonpoint-source potable water in a number of ways. Generally, treatment
pollution. processes for polluted water remove pollutants through
The awareness on water pollution due to waste disposal is creation of a waste sludge. The poorer the water quality of
high among the communities that live within the catchment the source water, the greater the level of treatment that will
as their educational level is good. However, discharge of gray be required to bring it to a useable standard, and the less
water as well as black water by people who live close to the clean the water that will result from treatment. Also, more
canal is evident. Though their awareness on water pollution polluted water requires a significant amount of energy to
and possible consequences is high, they still continue to treat.
practise these activities due to lack of options for proper
disposal of solid and liquid wastes. 2.2.2. Physical Characteristics of Wastewater
The most important physical characteristics of wastewater
2.2. Literature Review are its temperature and its solids concentration [18]. The
temperature influences chemical reactions and biological
During the last decade of the 20th century, environmental activities whiles solids, affect the operation and sizing of
issues received an unprecedented attention at the treatment units [19]. The Solids consist of matter suspended
international level. It is an indisputable fact that waste is the or dissolved in water and wastewater [18]. Dissolved solids
most visible and serious environmental problem facing refer to the portion of solids that passes through a filter of 2.0
Nigeria’s urban and semi-urban centres [6-9]. Urbanization is µm (or smaller) nominal pore size under specified conditions
believed to be an important cause of destruction and while the portion retained on the filter is the suspended
degradation of natural water resources. With rural-urban solids. Other important physical characteristics include
migration, it has been estimated that by the year 2025, particle size distribution, colour, transmittance, conductivity,
approximately fifty percent of the population will live in density, specific gravity, specific weight and odour [20].
growing cities of less developed countries. A feature of the In terms of colour, fresh wastewater is usually a light
urban scene in Nigeria in recent years is the gradual take- brownish-gray colour [21]. Odours in wastewater are
over of virtually every available open space by refuses. The generally as a result of gases produced by the decomposition
refuse dumps apart from physically obstructing legitimate of organic matter or by other substances added to the
human activities, have become fertile grounds for breeding wastewater [21]. Fresh domestic wastewater has a musty
flies, mosquitoes, rodents, among other, pests that have odour and changes to a rotten egg odour in septic wastewater
constituted the dumps into grave health hazards. due to the production of hydrogen sulphide. Electrical
The management of waste is an activity carried out by any conductivity (EC) is a measure of the capacity of an aqueous
community or society as a means by which waste i.e. all solution to conduct an electric current due to the presence of
those materials and substances which are valueless and have ions. Electrical conductivity (EC) increases with increasing
been rejected and are of potential harm or outright hazard to concentration of ions and temperature of solution. [22]
life and the environment are removed from the sphere of established that, EC increases by approximately 2 percent
human living [10-12]. It involves the coordination of certain per °C increase in temperature.
processes and schemes, which facilitate the efficient disposal
of these wastes, and is therefore run as a system by a 2.2.3. Chemical Characteristics of Wastewater
designated authority such as the regional government, which The chemical constituents of wastewater are typically
is sometime assisted by private sector participation [10, 13, classified as inorganic and organic [20]. Inorganic chemical
14] opined that the provision of functional waste collection parameters according to [19], include salinity, hardness, pH,
mechanism, the trapping, containment and treatment of alkalinity, iron, manganese, chlorides, sulphates, sulphides,
dangerous wastes before they reach and pollute the heavy metals (Mercury, lead, chromium, Copper, and Zinc),
environment constitute an important component of waste nitrogen (organic, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate) phosphorus
management. According to [15], the fundamental approach to and gases. The pH of wastewater indicates the activity of
waste in its management comprises; the collection and hydrogen ions and describes its acidity or basicity.
packaging of the waste; the manipulation of the waste and Wastewater becomes extremely difficult to treat by biological
final disposal. means if it has excessive concentration of hydrogen ion (low
pH) [20]. According to [23], pH is very important in an
2.2.1. Effects of Poor Water Quality on Water Quantity aquatic environment to many metabolic reactions in
Assert that water quality degradation is a principal cause microbial cells, which includes energy generation and ion
of water scarcity and could reduce the amount of freshwater transport.
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2019; 7(6): 150-160 153

Phosphorus in domestic wastewater normally originates found in wastewater can cause diseases of the gastrointestinal
from phosphate compounds in detergents [18] and usually tract such as typhoid and paratyphoid fever, dysentery,
exists in the form of orthophosphate, polyphosphate and diarrhoea and cholera.
organic phosphate [20]. The orthophosphates are available The study of [26] reported that faecal coliforms are the
for biological metabolism without further breakdown while most commonly used indicator bacteria for faecal
the polyphosphates undergo hydrolysis and revert to the contamination, since their excreted load is similar or larger
orthophosphate forms in aqueous solution. Nitrogen than that of pathogenic organisms, and their survival time in
compounds in wastewater originate principally from plant the environment is longer.
and animal origin, sodium nitrate and atmospheric nitrogen.
It exists in wastewater usually in the form of ammonia 2.2.5. Surface Water Quality Monitoring
(NH3), ammonium (NH4+), nitrogen gas (N2), nitrite ion Water quality monitoring, as defined by
(NO2-) and nitrate ion (NO3-) [15]. Chemical parameters UNESCO/WHO/UNEP 2006 refers to the actual collection
associated with the organic content of wastewater include the of information at specific locations and at regular intervals in
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen order to provide data, which may be used to define current
Demand (COD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and Total conditions, establish trends, etc. According to [25] and [27],
Oxygen Demand (TOD). Both BOD and COD are often used water quality monitoring is an essential tool for
as a measurement of pollutants in wastewater and natural environmental agencies to determine the quality of water
waters. Primarily, BOD as explained by Reynolds et al. 2002, bodies and make management decisions for improving or
is the level of organic content in wastewater measured by the protecting the intended uses. It is therefore necessary that
demand for oxygen that can be consumed by living consistent information on water quality is collected, analysed
organisms in the wastewater. Wastewater with high BOD and evaluated in a timely and efficient manner [25]
content is characterized by low oxygen content and high To achieve this, authors of various guidelines for surface
biological activity. water monitoring [28, 30] assert that appropriate
Chemical Oxygen Demand, according to [21] measures the documentation of data and the use of clean sampling
amount of oxidizable matter present in wastewater. It equipment are imperative. [29] also recommends that, the
increases significantly with the presence of industrial wastes. hydrology and morphometric (eg measurements of volume,
Because nearly all organic compounds are oxidized in the depth, etc.) of a stream or impoundment are also important
COD test, while only some are decomposed during the BOD factors to be determined prior to sampling. This will aid in
test, COD results are always higher than BOD results [24]. determining the presence of phases or layers in Streams or
However, COD does not differentiate between biologically impoundments, flow patterns in streams, and appropriate
degradable and non-degradable organic matter. According to sample locations and depths.
[25], biological degradation consumes the oxygen present in The water samples can be in the form of grab or
surface water and results in anaerobic conditions, odour composite samples depending on the field conditions and
formation, fish kills and ecological imbalance. The sources of study data needs [28, 30]. A surface grab sample may be
BOD according to [21] include leaves and wood debris; dead necessitated based on the following conditions; stream
plants and animals; animal manure; effluents from pulp and velocity is such that penetration to depth is not easily
papermills, wastewater treatment plants, feedlots, and food- obtained, surface sheen/film is identified, low water exists,
processing plants; failing septic systems; and urban or a sample from the upper surface of the water body is
stormwater runoff. required [30]. But when the sample will be used to describe
The study of [19] reported that, heavy metals are usually general water quality bracketing a period of time, a
added to wastewater from commercial and industrial composite sample can be collected using an automated
activities and may have to be removed if the wastewater is to composite sampler.
be reused. Many of these metals such as Cadmium (Cd),
Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), 3. Research Methodology
Manganese (Mn), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn)
in trace quantities, promote the growth of biological life in This section has examined the methods used in the
most waters. However, in excessive quantities they become collection and analyses of water sample that was required to
toxic and interfere with many beneficial uses of the water. address the aim and objectives of the study.

2.2.4. Biological Characteristics of Wastewater 3.1. Reconnaissance Survey

The major groups of microorganisms present in In carrying out this study, a reconnaissance survey of the
wastewater are bacteria, fungi, protozoa, microscopic plants study area was carried out to select the appropriate collection
and animals, viruses and helminths [18]. Most points for water sample within the stream.
microorganisms (bacteria, protozoa) are responsible and also
beneficial for biological treatment processes of wastewater 3.2. Materials Used for Water Sample Collection
[19]; [18]. However, [23] reported that, depending on the
dose and susceptibility of the host, some of these organisms The basic materials and equipment that were used in
carrying out this study are presented thus:
154 Ogechukwu Franca Eze et al.: Effects of Solid Waste on the Surface Water Quality of
Usuma River, Phase IV, Kubwa – Abuja, Nigeria

i. One litre of plastic container for each sample contact point where the waste is dumped and another 200
ii. Masking tape meters away from the contact point, that is the downstream.
iii. Marker The surface water sample was collected in October, 2017
iv. Writing pad and the sampling container rinsed with nitric acid. This was
v. Cooler/Cool box to avoid the contamination of the container. After collection,
vi. Ranging Poles nitric acid (0.2%) was added as a preservative. The samples
vii. Measuring Tape marked and labelled after the source of water, sampling
location and date of water sample collection. The collected
3.3. Sampling Procedure sample was preserved in plastic coolers containing ice-block
Three sampling points were identified in the study area; an and transported to the laboratory for analysis. pH of the water
upstream point, that is, 200metres away before the waste dump, samples was determined in-situ during samples collections.

Figure 1. The Phase IV Usuma River Indicating the Sample Points.

3.4. Water Sample Analyses standard solutions. Heavy metal analyses was carried out
using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) with electro-
Apart from the pH measurement that was done in-situ, all thermic atomization in graphite furnace for the determination
other analysis were done using Analyst100 (Perkin-Elmer) of the total content of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd
Spectrophotometer located at the Analytical Laboratory and Pb. The instrument used was Analyst100 (Perkin-Elmer)
accredited by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja. spectrophotometer located at the Analytical Laboratory. The
For instance, the pH measurement was carried out at 25.80C machine was equipped with an HGA-800 furnace and an AS-
using an E603 Metrohm pH-meter equipped with a glass 72 Autosampler.
electrode. The pH-meter was calibrated against Crison buffer The microbiological test was also carried out by
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2019; 7(6): 150-160 155

disinfecting thoroughly the cap of the bottles and aseptically polluted water.
introducing a sterile pipette which was used to suck out the
required volume. 12.5ml of each sample was aseptically 4. Results and Discussion
added to 112.5ml of sterile diluents contained in a 125ml
conical flask. Then shaken vigorously with downward and This Chapter presents the results of field survey, laboratory
upward motion. The data obtained for this study were analysis of water samples collected as well as the presumed
compared with the WHO standards to determine if there is implication on human health.
significant variation in surface water quality of Usuma River
in phase IV for human consumption. 4.1. Surface Water Quality of the Usuma River in Phase IV

3.5. Consultation with Health and Water Quality Expert The objective one of this study is to determine the surface
water quality consequent upon solid waste disposal on the
The Health and Water Quality Expert was consulted in Usuma River in Phase IV, Kubwa.
order to determine the health implication of consuming
Table 1. Analysed Results of the five (5) samples obtained from Point 1.

S/N Parameters WHO Max. Limit Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5
Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade
1 Packaging
Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper
2 Color (TCU) 15 5TCU 5 6 7 7
Unobjecti- Unobjecti- Unobjecti-
3 Taste/Odor Unobjectionable Unobjecti-onable Unobjecti-onable
onable onable onable
4 Temperature Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient
5 Turbidity (NTU) 5.00 1.00 1.00 1.03 1.04 1.05
6 Chloride (mg/L) 100.0 60.0 52.0 55.0 55.0 53.0
7 Fluoride (mg/L) 1.00 0.32 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.26
8 Copper (mg/L) 1.00 0.14 0.12 0.10 0.11 0.14
9 Iron (mg/L) 0.30 0.07 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.05
10 Nitrate (mg/L) 50.0 32.02 33.1 32.0 32.03 32.21
11 Nitrite (mg/L) 0.20 7.00 7.00 7.02 7.03 7.10
12 Manganese (mg/L) 0.20 0.16 0.12 0.30 0.30 0.32
13 Magnesium (mg/L) 0.20 0.27 0.18 0.22 0.18 0.16
14 Zinc (mg/L) 3.00 1.05 1.20 1.21 1.21 1.21
15 TDS(mg/L) 500.0 132.0 132.0 134.0 138.02 138.02
16 pH 6.5-8.5 7.84 7.84 7.58 7.50 7.40
17 Hardness (mg/L) 150.0 120.0 110.0 95.0 95.0 95.0
18 Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 50.0 50.0 50.0 49.0 49.0 49.04
19 Hydrogen Sulphide (mg/L) 0.05 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.028
20 Sulphate (mg/L) 100.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.05
21 Conductivity (us/Cm) 1000 172.0 135.0 135.0 13500 133.0
22 Lead (mg/L) 0.01 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.005
23 Cyanide (mg/L) 0.01 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
24 Cadmium (mg/L) 0.00 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003
25 Arsenic (mg/L) 0.01 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.003 0.003
26 Barium (mg/L) 0.70 0.006 0.006 0.003 0.003 0.003
27 Mercury (mg/L) 0.01 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002
28 Free Residual Chloride (mg/L) 0.2 – 0.25 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03
29 Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon (mg/L) 0.007 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
30 Total Organic Carbon (mg/L) 5.00 1.05 1.65 1.65 1.67 1.67
31 Mineral Oil (mg/L) 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.002 0.002
32 Phenol (mg/L) 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
33 2, 4, 6-Trichlorophen-ol (mg/L) 0.02 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
MICRO-BIOLOGY
34 Clostridium per Fringe Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
35 Chromo Bacterium violaceum Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
36 E. Coli Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
37 Faecal Streptococci Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
38 Total Coliform Count 10cfu/Ml 3 10cfu/Ml 2
39 S. Aureus Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
40 Yeast/Mould Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill

Source: Laboratory Analysis of Sample 2017

156 Ogechukwu Franca Eze et al.: Effects of Solid Waste on the Surface Water Quality of
Usuma River, Phase IV, Kubwa – Abuja, Nigeria

Table 2. Analysed Results of the five (5) samples obtained from Point 2.

WHO Req.
S/N Parameters Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5
Max. Limit
Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade
1 Packaging
Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper
2 Color (TCU) 15TCU 9TCU 9TCU 9TCU
3 Taste/Odor Unobjectionable Unobjecti-onable Unobjecti-onable Unobjecti-onable Unobjecti-onable Unobjecti-onable
4 Temperature Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient
5 Turbidity (NTU) 5.0 3.0 3.0 3.03 3.02 3.03
6 Chloride (mg/L) 100 35.0 35 35 35 35
7 Fluoride (mg/L) 1.00 1.02 1.02 1.04 1.04 1.03
8 Copper (mg/L) 1.00 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.11
9 Iron (mg/L) 0.30 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02
10 Nitrate (mg/L) 50.0 13.10 13.11 13.12 13.13 13.11
11 Nitrite (mg/L) 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
12 Manganese (mg/L) 0.20 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.15
13 Magnesium (mg/L) 0.20 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.17 0.17
14 Zinc (mg/L) 3.00 2.00 2.01 2.00 2.00 2.00
15 TDS 500 100.0 100 95.0 100 100
16 pH 6.5-8.5 7.80 7.80 7.81 7.81 7.81
17 Hardness (mg/L) 150.0 41.0 41.0 40.0 40.0 40.0
18 Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 50.0 58.0 58.0 57.0 57.0 55.0
19 Hydrogen Sulphide (mg/L) 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
20 Sulphate (mg/L) 100.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
21 Conductivity (us/Cm) 1000 71.0 71.0 78.0 72.00 72.00
22 Lead (mg/L) 0.01 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.002 0.002
23 Cyanide (mg/L) 0.01 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
24 Cadmium (mg/L) 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
25 Arsenic (mg/L) 0.01 0.004 0.003 0.004 0.004 0.003
26 Barium (mg/L) 0.70 0.006 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.005
27 Mercury (mg/L) 0.01 0.002 0.001 0.002 0.002 0.002
28 Free Residual Chloride (mg/L) 0.2 – 0.25 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.005 0.006
29 Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon (mg/L) 0.007 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
30 Total Organic Carbon (mg/L) 5.00 0.65 0.68 0.68 0.70 0.71
31 Mineral Oil (mg/L) 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.001 0.001
32 Phenol (mg/L) 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
33 2, 4, 6 Trichlorophen-ol (mg/L) 0.02 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
MICRO-BIOLOGY
34 Clostridium per Fringe Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
35 Chromo Bacterium violaceum Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
36 E. Coli Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
37 Faecal Streptococci Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
38 Total Coliform Count 10cfu/Ml 3 10cfu/Ml 2
39 S. Aureus Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
40 Yeast/Mould Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill

Source: Laboratory Analysis of Sample 2017

Table 3. Analysed Results of the five (5) samples obtained from Point 3.

S/N Parameters WHO Max. Limit Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5
Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade Food Grade
1 Packaging
Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper Wrapper
2 Color (TCU) 15TCU 9TCU 9TCU 9TCU
Unobjecti- Unobjecti- Unobjecti- Unobjecti- Unobjecti-
3 Taste/Odor Unobjectionable
onable onable onable onable onable
4 Temperature Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient Ambient
5 Turbidity (NTU) 5.0 6.0 6.2 6.0 6.0 6.0
6 Chloride (mg/L) 100 60.0 60 60 62 60
7 Fluoride (mg/L) 1.00 0.86 0.84 0.85 0.85 0.86
8 Copper (mg/L) 1.00 0.90 0.92 0.91 0.90 0.90
9 Iron (mg/L) 0.30 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12
10 Nitrate (mg/L) 50.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
11 Nitrite (mg/L) 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
12 Manganese (mg/L) 0.20 0.60 0.60 0.61 0.61 0.60
13 Magnesium (mg/L) 0.20 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.11 0.11
14 Zinc (mg/L) 3.00 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14
15 TDS (mg/L) 500 95.0 100 100 95 90
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2019; 7(6): 150-160 157

S/N Parameters WHO Max. Limit Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Sample 5
16 pH 6.5-8.5 7.61 7.64 7.65 7.63 7.65
17 Hardness (mg/L) 150.0 51.0 55.0 51 50 50
18 Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 50.0 57.0 58.0 58.5 57 57
19 Hydrogen Sulphide (mg/L) 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
20 Sulphate (mg/L) 100 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
21 Conductivity (us/Cm) 1000 103.0 91.0 98 100 100
22 Lead (mg/L) 0.01 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006
23 Cyanide (mg/L) 0.01 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
24 Cadmium (mg/L) 0.003 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.012
25 Arsenic (mg/L) 0.01 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006
26 Barium (mg/L) 0.70 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003
27 Mercury (mg/L) 0.01 0.002 0.003 0.003 0.002 0.002
Free Residual
28 0.2 – 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Chloride (mg/L)
29 Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon(mg/L) 0.007 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
30 Total Organic Carbon (mg/L) 5.00 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.05 1.05
31 Mineral Oil (mg/L) 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001
32 Phenol (mg/L) 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
33 2, 4, 6- Trichlorophen-ol (mg/L) 0.02 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
MICRO-BIOLOGY
34 Clostridium per Fringe Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
35 Chromo Bacterium violaceum Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
36 E. Coli Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
37 Faecal Streptococci Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
38 Total Coliform Count 10cfu/Ml 3 10cfu/Ml 2 2 2
39 S. Aureus Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill
40 Yeast/Mould Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill Nill

Source: Laboratory Analysis of Sample 2017

4.2. Variation in the Physio-Chemical and Biological that the surface water of the study area has high
Properties of the Surface Water with Increasing concentration of Manganese with an increased distance
Distance in the Study Area 200meters from point of waste dump.

(1) The result of the analysis revealed that most of the 4.3. The Effect of Waste on the Surface Water Quality of
parameters are within the required WHO threshold with Usuma River in Phase IV, Kubwa at the three (3)
increasing distance of 200meters in the random collection of Various Points
five samples in point 1 except for Nitrite and Magnesium
while the WHO required bench mark for Nitrite (0.2mg/l) The analysis shows that Color (15TCU), Taste/Odor
and Magnesium (0.20mg/l). This means that there is variation (Unobjectionable), Temperature (Ambient), Turbidity
in Nitrite and magnesium in the Five (5) samples analysed (5.0NTU), Chloride (100mg/L), Fluoride (1.02mg/L), Copper
with increased distance in point 1. (1.0mg/L), Iron (0.3mg/L), Nitrate (50mg/L), Magnesium
(2) The result of the analysis revealed that most of the (0.2mg/L), Zinc (3.0mg/L), TDS (500mg/L), pH (6.5-8.5),
parameters are within the required WHO threshold with Hardness (150mg/L), Total Alkalinity (50mg/L), H2S
increasing distance of 200meters in the random collection of (0.05mg/L), Sulphate (100mg/L), Conductivity (1000us/cm),
five samples in point 2 except for Fluoride (1.02mg/l, and Lead (0.01mg/L), Cyanide (0.01mg/L), Cadmium
1.04mg/l) which is above the WHO required bench mark for (0.003mg/L) Arsenic (0.01mg/L), Barium (0.7mg/L),
Fluoride of 1.0mg/l This means that there is variation in the Mercury (0.01mg/L), Free Residual Chloride (0.2-0.25mg/L),
physio-chemical properties of fluoride in the Five (5) Poly Aromatic HC (0.007mg/L), Total Organic Carbon
samples analysed with increased distance in point 2. This (5.0mg/L), Mineral oil (0.003mg/L), Phenol (0.001mg/L), 2,
also means that the surface water of the study area has high 4, 6-TrichloroPhenol (0.02mg/L), are within the required
concentration of Fluoride with an increased distance WHO standard recommended for domestic use while Nitrite
200meters from point of waste dump. (7.0mg/L) and Magnesium (0.6mg/L) are above the WHO
(3) The result of the analysis revealed that most of the standard of Nitrite (0.2mg/L) and Manganese (0.2mg/L).
parameters are within the required WHO threshold with The analysis shows that Color (15TCU), Taste/Odor
increasing distance of 200meters in the random collection of (Unobjectionable), Temperature (Ambient), Turbidity
five samples in point 3 except for Manganese (0.60mg/l) and (5.0NTU), Chloride (100mg/L), Fluoride (1.02mg/L), Copper
Cadmium (0.012mg/L) which is above the WHO required (1.0mg/L), Iron (0.3mg/L), Nitrate (50mg/L), Nitrite
bench mark for Manganese and Cadmium of 0.2mg/L and (0.2mg/L), Manganese (0.2mg/L), Magnesium (0.2mg/L),
0.003mg/L. This means that there is variation in the physio- Zinc (3.0mg/L), TDS (500mg/L), pH (6.5-8.5), Hardness
chemical properties of Manganese in the Five (5) samples (150mg/L), Total Alkalinity (50mg/L), H2S (0.05mg/L),
analysed with increased distance in point 3. This also means Sulphate (100mg/L), Conductivity (1000us/cm), Lead
158 Ogechukwu Franca Eze et al.: Effects of Solid Waste on the Surface Water Quality of
Usuma River, Phase IV, Kubwa – Abuja, Nigeria

(0.01mg/L), Cyanide (0.01mg/L), Cadmium (0.003mg/L) the body must be considerably high so as to exclude the
Arsenic (0.01mg/L), Barium (0.7mg/L), Mercury ingestion of pathogenic organisms and toxic chemicals.
(0.01mg/L), Free Residual Chloride (0.2-0.25mg/L), Poly According to their book, [31], heavy metals such as mercury,
Aromatic HC (0.007mg/L), Total Organic Carbon (5.0mg/L), lead, aluminium, strontium, arsenic, asbestos, hydrocyanic
Mineral oil (0.003mg/L), Phenol (0.001mg/L), 2, 4, 6- acid must not be present in water, foods, and water products.
TrichloroPhenol (0.02mg/L), are within the required WHO Even when any chemical is present as a nutrient in water, it
standard recommended for domestic use while Fluoride must be within an acceptable and safe limit. Excessive salt
(1.02mg/L) is above the WHO standard Fluoride (1.0mg/L). consumption can lead to cardiovascular diseases including
The analysis shows that Color (15TCU), Taste/Odor hypertension. Consequently, patients suffering from water-
(Unobjectionable), Temperature (Ambient), Turbidity borne diseases occupy more than half of the world’s hospital
(5.0NTU), Chloride (100mg/L), Fluoride (1.0mg/L), Copper beds.
(1.0mg/L), Iron (0.3mg/L), Nitrate (50mg/L), Nitrite The Health and Water Quality Expert also stated that
(0.2mg/L), Magnesium (0.2mg/L), Zinc (3.0mg/L), TDS pollution of water happens on many levels and affects
(500mg/L), Ph (6.5-8.5), Hardness (150mg/L), Total human health in many ways. There are numerous
Alkalinity (50mg/L), H2S (0.05mg/L), Sulphate (100mg/L), waterborne diseases that are a direct result of water
Conductivity (1000us/cm), Lead (0.01mg/L), Cyanide pollution; Ingestion of poorly treated water can cause
(0.01mg/L), Arsenic (0.01mg/L), Barium (0.7mg/L), diarrhoea, cholera, stomach infections and typhoid. Dirty or
Mercury (0.01mg/L), Free Residual Chloride (0.2-0.25mg/L), polluted water is the preferred breeding ground for
Poly Aromatic HC (0.007mg/L), Total Organic Carbon mosquitoes and other pests. Mosquito bites adversely affect
(5.0mg/L), Mineral oil (0.003mg/L), Phenol (0.001mg/L), 2, human health and can cause diseases such as Malaria,
4, 6-TrichloroPhenol (0.02mg/L), are within the required Filariasis, Dengue and Chikungunya. Water pollution also
WHO standard recommended for domestic use while affects the health of water animals such as fish. When
Manganese (0.6mg/L) and Cadmium (0.012mg/L) are above humans consume these sick fish, the infections get passed
the WHO standard of Manganese (0.2mg/L), and Cadmium and can take more serious form in the human body. Apart
(0.003mg/L). from fish, water pollution also affects other plants and
animals which in turn affects human health. If we consume
4.4. The Suitability of the Surface Water of Usuma River food that has already been infected, we are bound to fall ill.
for Human Consumption People can get diseases such as hepatitis by eating seafood
The study shows that most of the associate parameters that has been poisoned. In many poor nations, there is
analyzed in point 1 are within the safe limits by WHO always outbreak of cholera and diseases as a result of poor
standards except for Nitrite (7.00mg/l) and Magnesium drinking water treatment from contaminated waters.
(0.27mg/l) which are above the recommended limits High salts content of raw water results in nauseous, saline
considered safe by WHO Nitrite (0.2mg/l) and Magnesium taste with purgative tendency and dehydration. Salts
(0.20mg/l). It therefore means that the surface water collected containing nitrates or nitrites are known to cause
from the study area has a higher concentration of Nitrite and Methemoglobinemia (symptoms include shortness of breath
Magnesium and are likely to pose danger on humans if used and blue-tinted skin) often called blue baby syndrome in
for drinking purpose. children, and fluorides may result in dental fluorosis. The
The study shows that most of the associate parameters organic nitrates may undergo further reactions to form
analysed in point 2 are within the safe limits by WHO nitrosamines, which are highly carcinogenic.
standards except for Fluoride (1.02mg/l) which is above the
recommended limit considered safe by WHO Fluoride of 5. Conclusion
1.0mg/L. It therefore means that the surface water collected
from the study area has a higher concentration of Fluoride The results of water analysis carried out in the study area
and it is unsafe and likely to pose danger on humans if used indicates that the level of contamination of Usuma river in
for drinking purpose. Phase IV, significantly affect its quality, having compared
The study shows that most of the associate parameters the result with WHO levels. The traces of nitrite, fluoride,
analysed in point 3 are within the safe limits by WHO magnesium, managanese and cadmium observed with slight
standards except for Manganese (0.60mg/l) which is above change in turbidity and alkalinity in some samples can be
the recommended limits considered safe by WHO said to be significant enough to warrant panic as well as
Manganese (0.2mg/l). It therefore means that the surface pose danger to human health if consumed. There are other
water collected from the study area has a higher diseases traceable to the consumption of such water. Eg;
concentration of manganese and it is unsafe and likely to Typhoid Fever, Methemoglobinemia, Phileriasis, Diahorea,
pose danger on humans if used for drinking purpose. Chicken Pox, Staphylococcus and to mention but few.
Cadmium poisoning has been associated with kidney
4.5. Consultation with Health and Water Quality Expert disease, hypertension, and possibly genetic mutation. The
presence of these physio-chemical components in higher
The consultation revealed that the quality of water entering concentration has made the water in Usuma River, Phase IV
 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy 2019; 7(6): 150-160 159

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