Impact of Electromagnetic Field on Bacterial Population and Physicochemical Properties of Cassava Wastewater

Abstract

The release of industrial wastewaters into the environment is a major source of toxic contaminants causing global health and environmental challenges. This study aimed to investigate the impact of electromagnetic field (EMF) treatment on bacterial population and physicochemical characteristics of cassava wastewater. Cassava wastewater sample was collected from point source of a small-scale cassava industry in Akure, Nigeria. Sample was thereafter treated with EMF of varying intensities (70- 130nT) and bacterial population and physicochemical properties of raw and treated wastewater sample were determined using standard microbiological, physical and chemical analytical techniques. Results revealed a total bacterial count of 1.34 x 10⁵cfu/ ml. Identity of bacterial genera isolated from wastewater were Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi (Gram negative) while the Gram positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus sp. Results also revealed that treatment of wastewater sample with EMF significantly reduced the bacterial load and physicochemical parameters of the sample and dependent on EMF intensity and duration of exposure. Results revealed a decline in bacterial population from 1.34 x 10⁵- 1.0 x 10⁴ at intensities of 70nT-130nT and exposure time of 0- 144hr with the lowest count obtained at 130nT and the highest at 70nT. This study concludes that the use of Electromagnetic Field holds promise as an effective, non-invasive and eco-friendly strategy to improve the physical, chemical and biological quality of wastewater before discharge into the environment.