WASTEWATER IRRIGATION: SOME BACTERIAL AND HELMINTHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
WASTEWATER IRRIGATION: SOME BACTERIAL AND HELMINTHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
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Date
1989-09
Authors
CHUKWURAH, MICHEAL AZUKA.
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Abstract
The survival of faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci
and of helminths in soil and crops irrigated with wastewater
was studied between March and June in 1988. The
results showed a more than 90% reduction in the counts of
faecal streptococci by the 4th day and of faecal coliforms
by the 6th day. Helminths, Stronqyloides stercoralis
larvae and Mite were not recovered from the soil after 14
and 4 days respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides, Toxocara
canis, Ancylostoma duodenale, Trichuris Spp and Stronqyloides
stercoralis eggs were recovered occasionally
during the period. Rainy season studies yeilded
unreliable results because of the flooding of the experimental
plot where survival studies were carried out.
The wastewater used for the irrigation did not
satisfy the WHO (1973) standard of 1,000 faecal coliform
per 100 ml, for unrestricted irrigation. The average
4
faecal coliform count in the wastewater was 2.0 x 10
per 100 ml. Results obtained from the experimental farm
showed significant differences at 0.5 confidence level
for indicator organisms and helminths isolated from
tapwater and wastewater-irrigated crops (Maize, Tomatoes
and Amaranthus)• The finding reinforces the view that
the use of wastewater for irrigation without further
treatment may not only constitute a health hazard to the
consumers but may expose the farmers to infections like
ascariasis etc.
Description
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE; MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AT
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA
SEPTEMBER, 1989
Keywords
WASTEWATER IRRIGATION,, BACTERIAL,, HELMINTHOLOGICAL,, EFFECTS.