Greener Journal of Physical Sciences

Greener Journal of  Physical Sciences Vol. 2 (4), pp. 131-137, October, 2012.

ISSN: 2276-7851 © 2011 Greener Journals

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 100812098

 

Some Selected Physico-Chemical and Heavy Metal Properties of Palm Oil Mill Effluents

 

Elijah I. Ohimain*, Enetimi I. Seiyaboh, Sylvester C. Izah, Ejiroghene V. Oghenegueke and Glory T. Perewarebo

 

Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, 

Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

 

*Corresponding Author: eohimain @yahoo. com

Abstract:

This study investigated the physico-chemical and heavy metals parameters found in palm oil milling effluents (POME). The POME samples were randomly collected aseptically from eight smallholders milling sites that generated POME out of the eleven visited at Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. The physico-chemical and heavy metals parameters of the POME samples were determined using standard analytical procedures. The results of the physico-chemical analysis were obtained in the following range; pH (5.213 – 6.357), dissolved oxygen (DO) (2.567 – 4.127mg/l), biological oxygen demand (BOD) (254 – 1541mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (1231 – 2422 mg/l), phosphorus (P) (5.267 – 8.682 mg/l), potassium (K) (9.533 – 29.143mg/l), nitrogen (N) (7.550 – 20.653 mg/l) and oil and grease (41.667 – 98.167mg/l). Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the pH, DO, COD, K, N, and oil and grease but no significant difference (P > 0.05) in BOD and phosphorous levels. The concentration of heavy metals in the POME samples were found in the following range; iron (1.8120 – 13.8127mg/l), Chromium (Cr) (0.6053 – 1.6683 mg/l), copper (Cu) (0.6143 – 1.6093mg/l), and cadmium (Cd) (0.0040 – 0.0231mg/l). Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in Cu, Fe and Cr level but no significant difference (P > 0.05) in Cd level. Due to the high BOD, COD and oil and grease levels in POME, it is preferable to recycle POME rather than discharge. This is the current practice in most of the oil mills at Elele.
 
Key words: heavy metal, palm oil milling effluents, physico-chemical parameters, smallholders.

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