Assessment of Industrial Effluent Treatment and Disposal Practices in Textile and Dyeing Industries in Kano State

Industrial effluent from textile dyeing and finishing operations in Kano State poses significant risks to groundwater, surface water bodies, and public health across communities adjacent to the Sharada and Bompai industrial estates, where enforcement of effluent treatment standards has historically been weak. This study assesses effluent treatment and disposal practices in eight textile and dyeing companies in Kano metropolis, using a combined regulatory compliance audit, laboratory effluent characterisation, and treatment process evaluation approach. Effluent samples were collected at inlet and outlet points of treatment systems and analysed for pH, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, heavy metals, and colour intensity in accordance with FEPA effluent limitation guidelines. Compliance with National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency discharge standards was evaluated for each facility. Laboratory results showed that six of eight facilities discharged effluent with biochemical oxygen demand values exceeding the permissible limit of 30 milligrams per litre, and five facilities exceeded the allowable chemical oxygen demand limit. Heavy metal concentrations including chromium, cadmium, and lead exceeded threshold values in four facilities. Treatment system audit identified inadequate aeration capacity and non-functional chemical coagulation stages as the primary process deficiencies. The study recommends regulatory enforcement of effluent permits, mandatory treatment system audits, and technical assistance for effluent treatment system upgrading. Keywords: industrial effluent, textile dyeing, water pollution, effluent treatment, Kano State.