Microbiological studies of effluents from the Nigerian fertilizer and paper recycling mill plants

Effluent collected from two very important industries in Nigeria, the Nigerian Fertilizer company, Port Harcourt and Star Paper Mill, Owerrinta, were examined for its chemical and microbiological quality. Quantitative examination of the microorganisms present in the effluent revealed that as many as 2.03 x 10 3 viable bacteria (cfu per ml) were present. The predominant bacterial forms include: Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Kleb-siella, Pseudomonas, Aerobacter and Micrococcus. Yeast and mold isolated from the effluent include: Candida, Torula, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Pencillium, Mucor and Rhizopus species. Nitrate-nitrogen and Ammonia-nitrogen levels in the effluent range between 0.9-1.0 x 10 2 mgNO 3 -N/L and 0.8-1.0 x 10 3 mgNH 3 -N/L, respectively. BOD level ranged between 1.44-1.28 x 10 3 mgDO/L. The study could be useful for designing an appropriate pollution control strategy in Nigeria.