Impact of Sawdust Landfill on Physicochemical and Microbial Water Qualities of Surrounding Water Bodies in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Uncontrolled disposal of sawdust from sawmill operations constitutes a significant environmental challenge in peri-urban settlements. This study evaluated the impact of sawdust landfill on physicochemical and microbial water qualities of surrounding water bodies in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data obtained reveal that, mean turbidity increased from 2.4 ± 0.2 NTU at control locations to 15.3 ± 0.5 NTU in impacted areas. Dissolved oxygen decreased from 6.2 ± 0.2 mg/L to 3.2 ± 0.3 mg/L, while biochemical oxygen demand rose from 2.1 ± 0.2 mg/L to 8.6 ± 0.4 mg/L. Chemical oxygen demand increased from 7.2 ± 0.2 mg/L to 24.1 ± 0.6 mg/L. Total dissolved solids ranged from 120 ± 5 mg/L to 240 ± 8 mg/L. Total coliform increased from 12 ± 1 CFU/100 ml to 129 ± 1 CFU/100 ml, while Escherichia coli increased from 5 ± 0.8 CFU/100 ml to 62 ± 1 CFU/100 ml. One-way ANOVA indicated significant variation (p < 0.05) among sampling points. The findings confirm that sawdust landfill leachate significantly degrades surface water quality. Improved waste management practices and enforcement of environmental regulations are recommended.