Analysis of Effluent Quality from a Brewery in Aba, South East Nigeria

Brewery operations generate large volumes of effluent characterised by high organic loads, suspended solids, and variable pH that require effective treatment before discharge to prevent environmental degradation. This study analyses the quality of effluent collected from three discharge points of a brewery in Aba, Abia State, South East Nigeria, during production and non-production periods. Physicochemical parameters assessed include pH, temperature, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and ammonium nitrogen. Samples are analysed using standard methods published by the American Public Health Association. Effluent quality is compared against Federal Environmental Protection Agency and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency discharge limits for agro-industrial effluents in Nigeria. The study also examines the adequacy of existing effluent treatment infrastructure through visual inspection and operational data review. Results are expected to reveal elevated biochemical oxygen demand values during peak production periods, indicating organic loading that exceeds the natural assimilation capacity of the receiving water body. Recommendations for treatment system upgrading are formulated based on observed deficiencies and current regulatory benchmarks. The findings contribute to environmental compliance data for the brewing industry in the South East zone and support broader industrial pollution control efforts. Keywords: brewery effluent, physicochemical parameters, biochemical oxygen demand, Aba, industrial pollution