THE EFFECT OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER DISCHARGE ON THE QUALITY OF WATER IN CALABAR RIVER

This research study was aimed at analysing the effect of domestic wastewater discharge on the quality of water in Calabar River, Cross River State. To achieve comprehensive analysis, this study employed both field and laboratory methods. Field data collection involved measuring water quality parameters like pH, temperature, chloride, sulfate, and dissolved oxygen concentrations. Laboratory methods were used in measuring parameters like Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and microbial tests involving Total Coliform Count (TCC), Faecal Coliform (FCC), and Total Heterotopic count (THC). It was observed that pH value was very low as it ranged from 5.79 – 5.78 which is below the standard (6.5) recommended by the WHO (1993). Parameters such as turbidity, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, Cl-, SO4-2, all fell below the permissible range stated by the WHO (1993). However, some parameters analyzed such as: phosphate, was observed to be higher than the acceptable limit, thus, suggesting that the quality of the River has been threatened. It is recommended that unguarded or indiscriminate discharge of wastewater into the river should be discouraged; disposal outlets for wastewater should be constructed and government agencies in charge of regulation should determine the effluent standards for wastewater discharge into natural water bodies.