An investigation into the composition and bacterial load of the effluents of a section of the Bosso river, Minna, Niger State.

Abstract

An investigation into the composition of the effiuents of a section of the Bosso river was carried out over a period of three months. Results indicated that the effluents composition were of agricultural, domestic and industrial origins.( It showed that the total viable count (TVC) and total coliform counts (TCC) of bacteria were significantly higher where there effluents discharges than where there were less(p< 0.05). There was also significant difference in bacterial viable and total counts (TVC and TCC) with respect to sampling occasions. The pooled stations results showed a Positive significant correlation with biological oxygen demand (BOD (P of< 05). It was concluded that streams rivers that travers areas of active human population receive heavier load of effluents of domestic origins that chance growth and development of bacteria than otherwise. This Suggests that such effluents carry health risks and should therefore be handled with the uttermost care.