DETERMINATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WASTEWATER IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY DUTSE CAMPUS, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study assessed the physicochemical properties of wastewater generated within the Federal University Dutse (FUD) campus, Jigawa State, Nigeria, with the aim of determining its quality and comparing the results with WHO and NESREA standards, as well as with wastewater from Yalwawa community (control site). Wastewater samples were collected from four locations: Clinic, Cafeteria, Female Hostel, and Yalwawa. Key physicochemical parameters analyzed included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Results showed that temperature (26.50–26.77°C), pH (7.07–7.23), EC (171-504), TDS (72-312), nitrate (2.7-5.6), phosphate (1.3-2.08), BOD (2.6-2.07), and COD values (8.5-16.9) were within permissible limits set by WHO and NESREA. However, turbidity values (18.70–55.87 NTU) exceeded the maximum allowable limit of 5 NTU, indicating the presence of suspended particles and possible organic pollution. DO (2.3 – 2.9) levels were also below the recommended threshold, suggesting oxygen depletion and moderate pollution. Overall, the study reveals that although most wastewater parameters in FUD are within acceptable limits, high turbidity and low dissolved oxygen indicate the need for improved wastewater monitoring and treatment. The findings provide baseline data and highlight the importance of establishing an effective wastewater management system within the university to protect both environmental and public health.