Impacts of effluent and particulate matter from Mukwano factory on the surrounding environment

Abstract

Nakivubo channel is the major recipient of runoff and a surrogate end point for organic substances in industrial and domestic effluents. however, the quality of the various effluents, like that of Mukwano industries, that end up in the channel is not known. This study was carried out to assess the impacts of effluents and Particulate matter from Mukwano industries on the surrounding environment. The study was guided by objectives: to determine the physiochemical characteristics (dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in effluents from Mukwano factory, evaluate the impact of effluents on the quality of water in Nakivubo channel, and lastly assess the air quality or Particulate matter around Mukwano and the surrounding environment. the study sampled effluent discharge at four selected points of the Nakivubo channel: point a upstream, point b discharge point, point C storm water, and point D downstream. The samples were collected at 3 intervals, that is, the rainy day and the dry day. It was found that pH ranges from 6.73 to 9.24. the lowest pH value was 6.73 at point C and the highest pH value was 9.24, while electrical conductivity was within limits prescribed by who (1200 s/cm) and other samples exceeded limits, especially at the point of Mukwano discharge (2620). total dissolved solids were 0.1 mg/l at the point of discharge, 0.18 mg/l upstream, and least downstream, 0.03 mg/l. it was found that all the sites had bod levels above the NEMA standards of 50 mg/l, with the highest levels found at the Mukwano discharge points which recoded bod of 202 mg/l. it was revealed that all the water collected had cod above the stipulated NEMA standards of 100 mg/l. total nitrogen levels were 18.32 mg/l in the first interval, and they were higher in the second interval. the results showed that, pm 2.5, pm 10, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide were below the recommended standard exposure limit. the highest particulate matter concentrations were recorded at point d, a point downstream and volatile organic compounds were detected highest at point of discharge(B) which are biggest concern on air pollution from Mukwano while hydrogen sulphide was detected from drainage channel. It can be concluded that upstream points sampled of Nakivubo channel water have higher concentrations of physiochemical parameters such as pH levels, temperatures and total dissolved oxygen. And the effluents from Mukwano industry contain higher BOD, COD which contain other toxic substances like lead. It was from these findings that the study that There is a need for Mukwano industry to treat their its effluents before its discharged from the factory and this can be done in collaboration with NEMA to ensure compliance to laws and discharge standards, particulate matter standards and the polluter pays principle