PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT OBTAINED FROM UKANAFUN L.G.A

ABSTRACT Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is a significant by-product of the palm oil industry, characterized by high organic and suspended solid content. This study examines the physiochemical properties of POME, including temperature (29°C), pH (8.4), total suspended solids (TSS) (1,050 mg/L), total dissolved solids (TDS) (220 mg/L), electrical conductivity (EC) (201 μS/cm), alkalinity (1,052 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (DO) (4.11 mg/L), biological oxygen demand (BOD) (1,026 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (21 mg/L), chloride (3.91 mg/L), nitrate (0.030 mg/L), sulphate (1.027 mg/L), phosphate (0.013 mg/L), and turbidity (2.00 NTU). These parameters are compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for effluent discharge and water quality. The results show that while some properties, such as TDS, chloride, and phosphate, meet acceptable limits, the high levels of TSS, BOD, and alkalinity present significant environmental concerns. These characteristics suggest that POME requires advanced treatment, such as biological or chemical processes, to mitigate its potential adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems. This study highlights the need for improved waste management practices and treatment technologies to ensure sustainable palm oil production.