Solid Waste Disposal: A Potential Threat to Aquatic Environment

The disposal of solid waste close to water bodies is becoming a threat the potability and survival aquatic organism. This research work was carried out assess impact on Nwaorie River in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. ascertain level some heavy metals physico-chemical parameters that could affects quality water. Three sampling stations were established along length study area from untreated effluent discharged points, 50m upstream, midstream downstream respectively point discharge. sample collected taken Laboratory for analysis. Parameters such as pH, turbidity, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid, Electrical conductivity, Oxygen, Zinc, Arsenic, Iron, Cadmium measured situ using multi-parameter monitor flame absorption spectrometry. results obtained revealed concentration dissolved Oxygen ranged 6.900-7.400mg/l, Biochemical Demand 0.250-0.540mg/l, mean pH has highest value 5.30±0.0 at downstream, electrical conductivity 98.00±0.0 temperature found upstream with 31.2±0.01 Zinc less than 0.003mg/l all zinc Arsenic not detected while CaCO3 13-29mg/l turbidity 0.00. When compared World Health Organization Standard, parameter fell within permissible limit. therefore concluded river slightly impacted by deposited vicinity river, which have implications people depend domestic uses also organism river. Measures should therefore, be stop this unhealthy way disposal.