ASSESSMENT OF WASTEWATER GENERATED FROM CAR WASH IN THE IJEBU ODE AREA OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Carwash wastewater is a potential environmental pollutant due to the plausible presence of all types of dirt, oil, grease, heavy metals and chemicals from soaps and cleaning agents used in car washes. This study aims to assess wastewater of generated from car wash. The research was an experimental survey, the water sample was extracted at three different points, and three (3) different water samples were collected from the car-wash station to be subjected to laboratory analysis, Each water sample was analysed for the following parameters following procedures in the standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater: total coliform counts, faecal coliform, sulphide, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), sulphates. Purposive sampling techniques was used in selecting Paramount Car Wash in Ijebu ode, this is due to the size and accessibility of the car-wash facility. All calculations were done as described in the USEPA method and the amounts of residues in samples were obtained. The result indicates that the TSS for the water reservoir 325mg/L increased to 1460mg/L for point B and 1982 mg/L for point C, also coliform level of two carwash wastewater sample collected with 51cfn/ml and 58cfn/ml for point B and C. Hence, it was concluded that the result of this study concludes that car-wash wastewater is highly polluted compared to the source of the water used in washing the car and this is observed in the difference in both the physio-chemical properties and biological analysis of the water sample collected. It is hereby recommended that car wash owners start by familiarizing themselves with local, state, and federal regulations governing car wash wastewater discharge. Regulations may vary, and compliance is essential to avoid legal issues.