Evaluation of Effluent Quality from a Textile Industry in Katsina State and Its Impact on Receiving Water Bodies

Industrial effluents from textile manufacturing are a major source of chemical pollution in freshwater ecosystems, particularly in areas lacking stringent environmental enforcement. This study evaluates the physicochemical and heavy metal characteristics of effluents discharged from a textile factory in Katsina State, North West Nigeria, and assesses the impact on the quality of the receiving stream. Effluent samples were collected at the point of discharge and at intervals of 100, 300, and 500 metres downstream over a two-month period. Parameters analysed include pH, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, colour, turbidity, and concentrations of chromium, lead, copper, and nickel. Analysis followed standard methods outlined by the American Public Health Association. Results indicate that effluent pH was strongly alkaline and biological oxygen demand values were considerably above Federal Ministry of Environment permissible limits, suggesting high organic load. Chromium concentrations at the point of discharge exceeded limits by more than three-fold, decreasing progressively downstream but remaining above background levels at 500 metres. Benthic macroinvertebrate diversity was markedly reduced in sections of the stream receiving effluent compared to reference reaches. The study urges regulatory authorities to enforce pre-treatment requirements for industrial effluent and recommends the installation of effluent treatment facilities by the manufacturing plant. Keywords: textile effluent, Katsina, heavy metals, water pollution, industrial discharge