Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The textile industry is a major contributor to global economic growth, but it also generates significant amounts of effluent waste that can have detrimental effects on the environment. Promotex Industries, a prominent player in the textile sector, produces effluent wastes that contain a variety of chemicals and compounds. Understanding the physiochemical characteristics of these effluent wastes is crucial for assessing their environmental impact and implementing appropriate treatment measures. This research project aims to investigate the physiochemical characteristics of effluent wastes from Promotex Industries and evaluate their potential environmental impact. The effluent samples will be analyzed for parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and heavy metal content. These parameters will provide insights into the composition and pollution potential of the effluent wastes. Furthermore, the study will assess the compliance of Promotex Industries' effluent wastes with relevant environmental regulations and guidelines. By comparing the analytical results with permissible limits, the research will identify any potential risks associated with the discharge of these effluents into the environment. Recommendations will be provided for improving the treatment and management of effluent wastes to minimize their environmental impact. In addition to the physiochemical analysis, the research will also investigate the potential toxicity of the effluent wastes using bioassays with aquatic organisms. This approach will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological effects of the effluent wastes and help in determining the most appropriate remediation strategies. Overall, this research project will contribute valuable insights into the physiochemical characteristics and environmental impact of effluent wastes from Promotex Industries. By identifying key parameters and potential risks, the study will support efforts to mitigate the environmental footprint of the textile industry and promote sustainable waste management practices. The findings of this research can inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental agencies in developing strategies to protect water resources and ecosystems from the harmful effects of industrial effluents.

Thesis Overview

For a total period of four months, effluent, water and soil samples were collected on a monthly basis from an industrial area in Nnewi in Anambra State in order to determine their constituents. A total of twenty six parameters were analyzed for effluents and water, while a total of fourteen parameters were analyzed for soil. The result showed that effluents from the industry (Promotex) contained a number of contaminants which contaminate the soil and nearby river. Correlation technique was used to determine the degree of relationship between nitrate content and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values of the effluents and water; and to determine the degree of relationship between the pH values and the Arsenic content of the soil. There was a generally low negative correlation for all the months for the effluents(-0.58,-0.07,-0.09,and 0.47 respectively for July, August, September and October) and soil (-0.03,-0.66.and- 0.54 for July, August and October respectively) except for the month of September (0.06) that had a very low positive correlation between the pH and Conductivity values of the soil. The student t-test with N+ N- 2 degree of freedom was used to test for the null hypothesis that there is no significance difference between the Alkalinity and Chloride contents of the effluents and water. The environmental implications established that Ele River as well as the soil in the area is polluted at varying levels by effluents from the industry and surrounding environment.