Assessment of Dye Effluent Management Practices in Artisanal Tie-Dye Clusters in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Artisanal tie-dye production clusters in Abeokuta, Ogun State, represent a significant informal economy activity employing thousands of women in the South West geopolitical zone, yet the environmental management of associated dyehouse effluents is poorly characterised. This study assesses dye effluent management practices in three major artisanal tie-dye clusters in Abeokuta, examining production practices, effluent characteristics, and disposal methods. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with 120 tie-dye producers and 15 cluster leaders. Effluent samples collected from six discharge points were analysed for pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, colour, total dissolved solids, and synthetic dye content. Visual observation of drainage and waterway conditions adjacent to cluster areas was documented. Results reveal that all identified producers discharged untreated effluent directly into open drains and natural waterways without any pre-treatment. Mean biochemical oxygen demand of effluent samples was 1240 mg/L, and colour was visually severe at all discharge points. Producers demonstrated limited awareness of environmental regulations governing effluent discharge, citing absence of enforcement visits and lack of affordable treatment options. The study recommends the construction of shared community effluent treatment facilities at major cluster sites, funded through public-private partnership arrangements with the Ogun State environmental agency. Practical producer training on low-cost effluent pre-treatment methods, including pH neutralisation and activated carbon adsorption, is also recommended to reduce environmental impact from artisanal dye clusters in South West Nigeria. Keywords: tie-dye, dye effluent, Abeokuta, artisanal cluster, environmental management