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

This study investigated the impact assessment of poultry wastes discharge from a nearby poultry farm on the physico-chemical and microbiological water quality of Adodo Water Stream, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. Four sampling stations (designated A, B, C and D).
Sample A (Control) was collected from the upstream point which represents 40meter 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 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.
KEY WORDS: Poultry, Effluent, Midstream, Downstream, Control, Physicochemical,
Microbial, Adodo stream water.