Effect of Poultry Effluent on the Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of Stream Water

ABSTRACT Environmental risks and nuisances are associated with poultry farm operations leading to impairment of stream water qualities. This study was conducted to assess the effects of poultry effluent on waterqualities of Adodo stream in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. The Stream was monitored and evaluated for physicochemical parameters and microbial properties using standard procedures. Four sampling stations were established; Sample A (Control) was collected from the upstream point which represents 40m before the midstream point (i.e point of discharge). The samples B was collected from the midstream point which is the point of discharge of poultry effluent. Sample C and D were collected from the downstream point which represents 20 m and 40 m away from the point of discharge respectively. The result shows the total mean viable count of bacteria and fungi in the Adodo stream water with the standard deviation. There was very small difference between the microbial count of the stream water and control. Microbial count of the control water sample was also observed to be smaller than stream water samples containing poultry effluent. The physico-chemical parameters in the water body vary in concentration along downstream, mid-stream and upstream of Adodo water stream. The overall mean values of most of the parameters investigated; pH, conductivity, TDS and BOD were negatively impacted by poultry wastes dumping into the stream. The concentrations of most parameters exceeded recommended permissible limits of the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water and World Health Organization for freshwater quality. The water source is therefore deemed not potable and poses hazards to public health if consumed without treatment. There is urgent need for improved management strategies of this water resource for continued sustainability.