Physicochemical Characterization and Heavy Metal Pollution Assessment of Electroplating Wastewater in Chanchaga, Nigeria with Implications for Sustainable Treatment

Abstract

Electroplating wastewater is a major contributor of water contamination as a result of the presence of heavy metals, salts, and acid content. There have been many electroplating industries in Nigeria, but little attention has been paid to the analysis and characterization of the wastewater. Therefore, there is no suitable technique developed for the treatment of such wastewater which could serve to minimize environmental pollution. This work presents the physicochemical characterization of electroplating wastewater sampled from an electroplating industry in Chanchaga Area Council, Niger State, Nigeria. Water samples were taken and characterized using the standard methods recommended by the American Public Health Association (APHA, 2023). While physicochemical parameters were analyzed via standardized methods, the determination of heavy metals was done via the process of microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). According to the study, the wastewater sample was strongly acidic with a pH value of 1.02, high electrical conductivity (EC) of 58,550 µS/cm, total dissolved solids (TDS) of 49,400 mg/L, chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 177.15 mg/L, and high chloride content (Cl) of 932.72 mg/L. All these parameters are above the permissible levels of NESREA and WHO/US-EPA standards. Similarly, high concentrations of nickel (46.43 mg/L), iron (44.41 mg/L), copper (25.46 mg/L), zinc (13.70 mg/L), cadmium (1.96 mg/L), arsenic (0.20 mg/L), and manganese (1.12 mg/L) have been found in electroplating wastewater. In contrast, very low concentrations of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 2.75 mg/L were measured. The obtained findings demonstrate that electroplating wastewater is rich in dissolved inorganic substances and posed a significant threat when discharged to the environment in an untreated form.