Hydro-chemical Characterization of Domestic Wastewater Quality using Nemerow Pollution Index and Geo Accumulation Index within Greater Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Purpose: Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource and water resources planners and managers are compelled to cogitate any source of water which might be used parsimoniously and efficiently to promote development, in line with this the reuse of treated domestic wastewater for agriculture amongst other uses is currently receiving attention as a reliable water source. This study was carried out to characterize wastewater, determine its pollutant load index, contributing factor and also to generate data on wastewater management in Greater Jos metropolis.

Design/methodology/approach: The field survey method was adopted with collection of wastewater samples from 660 representative households was channeled into detention basin and then discharged into drainages. The sample collection and laboratory analysis were carried out within 2 weeks for a research period of 4 years, and a range of water quality parameters were measured and compared with NESREA discharge limits.

Findings: Laboratory, Nemerow’s pollution index and Geo accumulation index values indicated that Total Suspended Solids, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Phosphate, Ammonia, Oil and grease, total and feacal coliform in the wastewater samples were quite high and have exceeded the maximum discharge limits of NESREA.

Research limitations/Implications: Since domestic wastewater is not treated before release into the environment in developing countries, it may lead to eutrophication in receiving water bodies and also create environmental conditions that aid spread of waterborne pathogens of toxin-producing cyanobacteria which have effects on plants when used for irrigation.

Practical Implications: To regulate the discharge of domestic wastewater into receiving freshwater bodies and the environment in general, regular monitoring and appropriate legislations are necessary.