A REPORT ON STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK

EXPERIENCE SCHEME (S.I.W.E.S)

UNDERTAKING AT
EMZOR PHAMACEUTCAL NDUTRY
BY
OJINMAH GABRIEL CHUKWUMA
17/0851
BABCOCK UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD

OF THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
(B.Sc MICROBIOLOGY)

FROM
FEBRUARY 2020 TO JUNE 2020

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that I, OJINMAH GABRIEL(17/0851) hereby declare that the information

in this report was written by me. It is true that I did the Student Industrial Work Experience
Scheme (S.I.W.E.S) otherwise known as Industrial Training I.T. between February 2020 and

June 2020.

Student’s Signature:

SIWES Coordinator/ Supervisor:

Oral IT-Defense Coordinator:

SIWES Class Code:

Student Name:OJINMAH GABRIEL CHUKUMA Matric no: 17/0851

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Email: ojinmahgabriel@yahoo. com

Level: 400

Course of Study: microbiology

Mobile Number: 09066680143

Company Name:Emzor pharmaceutical Industry

Postal Address: plot3c,BlockA,Aswani Market Road,Oshodi/isolo.

Geographical State: Lagos state

Company Email:info@emzorpharma.com

Company Phone Number:07080606000

Company Website:www.emzorpharma.com

Staff Strength:300+

Name of Industry Based Supervisor:mrs gloria

Mobile Number (Supervisor):

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for allowing me to choose Biochemistry as my course

of study, for seeing me through this course up to this time, for seeing me through the length

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of the time for this Industrial training experience and for the many more uncountable things

he has done for me.

I am thankful to emzor pharmaceuticals for the opportunity to have been accepted to be

trained at their establishment.

My appreciation goes to the heads of departments at the departments I was trained, Mrs ogoh,

Mr bankole and Mrs sophia who made my time at the establishment a blissful one.

I am grateful to my Industry Based Supervisor, Miss Gloria who never hesitated to help me at

any point in my training.

I am also grateful to my parents who encouraged me throughout the period of this training,

also for their moral, financial and spiritual support.

Finally, to my Institution Based Supervisor, and the department for providing the opportunity

for myself and my course mates to take part in this programme.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE:INTRODUCTION TO STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK

EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Objectives of Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme

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CHAPTER TWO: COMPANY PROFILE

2.1 Emzor pharmaceuticals

2.2 Departments in the Industry

CHAPTER THREE: RESPONSIBILTIES AND PARTICIPATION

3.1 Responsibilities

3.2 Q.C DEPARTMENT

3.3 Q.A DEPARTMENT

CHAPTER FOUR: WORK EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDEGE GAINED

4.1 Experience and Skill Gained

4.2 Challenges Faced

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION TO STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME

(SIWES)

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme(SIWES) was established in 1973 by the

Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in response to the mandate through the decree 47 of 1971 with

responsibility to solve the problem of lack of adequate practical skills preparatory for

employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of tertiary institution.

SIWES is a tripartite programme involving the students, the universities and industries. It is

funded by the federal government of Nigeria and jointly coordinated by both the Industrial

Training Fund and the National Universities Commission (NUC). It is a skill training

programme designed to expose and prepare students of tertiary institutions for the industrial

work situation they are likely to meet after graduation. The scheme also affords the students

opportunity of familiarizing and exposing themselves to the needed experience in handling

equipment and machinery with respect to their chosen fields.

SIWES has come to be recognized as a major avenue of bridging the gaps between the theory

acquired by students of tertiary institutions and industrial practice of the various professions

and disciplines essential to the technological and economic development of Nigeria. Since its

introduction by the ITF in 1973, the scheme has gone through series of reforms and

restructuring.

For instance, its management has changed hands from ITF to the various regulatory agencies,

National universities commission (NUC) and National Board for Technical Education

(NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and back to ITF.

Similarly, the structure and operational framework have been reviewed, streamlined and

made more functional at the various levels of its operation.

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SIWES is the accepted training programme which is part of the approved minimum academic

standard in various degree programmes for all Nigerian universities. The scheme is aimed at

bringing the existing gap between theory and practice of sciences, agriculture, medical

sciences (including nursing), engineering and technology, management, information and

communication technology and other professional and educational work methods and ways

of safeguarding the work areas and workers in industries, offices, laboratories, hospitals and

other organizations.

Prior to establishing the scheme, industrialists and other employers of labour felt concerned

that graduates of Nigeria Universities were deficient in practical background studies

preparatory for employment in industries and other organisations. The employers thus

concluded that the theoretical education being received in our higher institutions was not

responsive to the needs of the employer of labour. Consequently, the rationale for initiating

and designing the scheme by the Industrial Training Funds (ITF) in 1973.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME

 To provide an avenue for students in the Nigerian Universities to acquire industrial

skills and experience in their course of study.

 To prepare students for work situations they are likely to meet after graduation

 To expose students to work methods and techniques on handling equipment and

machinery that may not be available in the universities.

 Make the transition from the University to the world of work easier and thus enhance

students’ contacts for later job placement.

 To enlist and strengthen employers’ involvements in the entire educational process of

preparing University graduates for employment in industries.

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  To expose the students to practical knowledge of processes and work methods not

taught in class as well as to get acquainted with various production equipment not

available in their respective institutions.

 To make the transition from school to the work place as seamless as possible and to

enhance students contact for future job placements.

 To enhance the satisfaction of industries with the certificates being awarded by the

tertiary institutions.

 To avail students the opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge thereby

bridging the gap between university work and actual work practice.

The SIWES programme gave me the opportunity to gain some practical knowledge in my

course of study and real life. I was privileged to have been accepted in the Lagos State

Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to do my SIWES programme.

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 CHAPTER TWO

COMPANY PROFILE

2.1

2.1.1 FUNCTIONS OF LASEPA

 Advising the State Government on all environmental management policies.

 Giving direction to the affairs of the Agency on all environmental matters.

 Preparing periodic Master plan to enhance capacity building of the agency and for the

development and natural resources management.

 Carrying out public enlightenment and educating the general public on sound methods

of environmental sanitation and management.

 Carrying out appropriate test on insecticides, herbicides and other agricultural

chemicals

 Monitoring and controlling disposal of solids, gaseous and liquid wastes generated by

both government operations.

 Setting, monitoring and enforcing standards and guidelines on vehicular emission.

 Surveying ad monitoring surface underground and potable water, air land and soil

environments in the state to determine pollution level in them and collect baseline

data.

 Promoting co-operation in environmental science and technologies with similar

bodies in other countries international bodies connected with the protection of the

environment; and

 Cooperating with the federal, state and local Governments, statutory Bodies and

Research Agencies on matters and facilities relating to environmental protection.

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As the regulatory arm of the State Government on the environment, the Lagos State

Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) is saddled with the responsibility of

maintaining a healthy environment through adequate regulatory mechanism. In meeting these

statutory responsibilities, LASEPA recorded outstanding achievements in the following

areas:

 To ensure compliance with environmental standards, LASEPA monitored 502

manufacturing industrial premises and 86 hotels/eateries within the state. About 70%

monitored facilities complied with all environmental requirements.

 In a bid to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, LASEPA carried out a pilot

survey on Okobaba sawmill to convert the huge sawdust into useable bio fuel to

replace fossil fuel used in industries. From the pilot study so far, there is huge

prospect of significantly reducing GHG emission in the state.

 LASEPA has also initiated a law to reduce pollution from vehicle exhausts.

 As Industrial activities spread all over the state, necessitating wide coverage in

monitoring environmental compliance, LASEPA resuscitated an area office in

Ikorodu as part of the plan to increase the number of area offices across the state.

 Aware that Lagos State is the destination of most E-Waste entering Nigeria, LASEPA

organized in 2011 the first International E-Waste summit to sensitize Lagosians on the

dangers of used Electrical Electronic Equipment.

 The agency also carried out a study on the quality of underground water table in two

Local government Areas of the state; Kosofe and Mushin LGA’s, and discovered high

level pollution through random sampling taken from borehole and well water in

residential areas and filling stations in the two Local Government Areas.

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  Propelled by the need to improve on laboratory analysis of hydrocarbons of water

sample from oil and gas sector as well as oil polluted areas, the Agency resuscitated

and upgraded the gas chromatography (GC) which is now in use.

 In the bid to ensure a cleaner environment and compliance to regulatory standards,

LASEPA sanctioned and sealed off erring Industries across the state.

 In the same vein, the Agency carried out destruction exercise of Hazardous chemicals

and products in 5 Industrial facilities across the state and issued certificate of

destruction to the concerned companies. The destruction exercise became necessary to

prevent circulation of such expired products into the market.

 So far the Agency has carried out successfully safe destruction of expired

products/raw materials from several companies with Certificates of Destruction duly

issued to the facilities.

2.1.2 ORGANOGRAM

GENERAL MANAGER

Agency Secretary / Director of

Finance & Administration

Engineering Compliance/ Data management Project &special

Unit monitoring Unit Duties unit

Engineering Compliance/ Data Management Project & Special

Unit Monitoring Unit Duties unit

Enforcement Unit

Ecology & Pollution control Hazardous Material Laboratory serviceSanitation & environmental
Sanitation & environmental
Conservation Management Health department Health department

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2.2 DEPARTMENTS IN THE AGENCY

2.2.1 Finance and Administration Department

The Finance and Administration Department is the engine room of the Agency saddled with

the responsibility of the overall running of the Agency. Its duties include coordinating all the

activities of the Agency for the promotion of synergy amongst the various Departments/Units

towards the achievement of the vision and mission of the Agency.

Functions

 Maintenance of Office and Office equipment

 Transport Management

 Training and Staff Development

 Staff Welfare

 Maintaining Discipline within the rank and file

 Conveyance of statutory meetings (Raising memos, writing minutes of

meetings/General Administrative Duties etc.)

 Office management and general administration

 Preparation of submissions and memos/ covering of meetings

2.2.2 The Hazardous material management department

This department as its name implies, deals with the management and control of the hazardous

materials and substances introduced into the environment.

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Functions

 Implementation of strategy for management and control of Hazardous Materials in the

State.

 Inventorization of chemicals used in the state, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

and Persistent Hazardous/Toxic Chemicals (PT/S) sources.

 Advocacy/sensitization of market men and women on the use of insecticides for

preservation of food.

2.2.3Ecology and Conservation Department

The department is divided into three (3) namely:

 Soil Control

 Flood Control and

 Coastal Zones Management

Functions

 Surveillance and monitoring of Ecological activities within the State.

 Organization and coordination of annual Industrial Tree Planting exercise in the State.

 Greening and Beautification of industrial facilities.

 Data assessment of Wetland areas in State.

 Data assessment of Conservation centers within the State.

 Management and conservation of Wetlands in the State.

2.2.4 Sanitation and Environmental Health Department

The Department is divided into three (3) units:

 Public Health;

 Training and Health;

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  Health protection and Promotion

Functions

 Monitoring of industrial/commercial houses through the monthly environmental

sanitation exercise which was resuscitated in 2009;

 Public enlightenment/education during every last Thursday of the month for market

sanitation.

2.2.5Accounts Department

The Accounts Department is a vital department in the Agency and has been part of the

Agency’s success story, the functions being:

Functions

 Ensuring safe-keeping of the Agency’s funds;

 Ensuring proper recording of all Accounting Records;

 Updating all record books of the Agency;

 Payment of staff monthly salaries;

 Filling of reports to third parties in the prescribed form and on timely basis;

 Opening and up-keeping of cash books; and

 Ensuring thorough reconciliation and preparation of reconciled accounts.

2.2.6 Press and Public Relations Unit

Duty of the Press and Public Relations Unit is to propagate and unfold policies and activities

of the Agency by being constantly in the news on the implementation of Agency’s assigned

responsibilities. Other functions include:

 Daily monitoring of Print and Electronic Media

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  Newspaper Cuttings/Record Keeping

 Coordination of Press Interviews

 Event Management /Coordination

 Media Relations

 Production of In-House Journals and Magazines

 Design/production of High-Upgrade Promotional (i.e. Handbills, Posters, Banners,

Calendars, Stickers, T-Shirts, et cetera)

2.2.7 Legal Services Department

This is the legal arm of the Agency, the unit grants Advisory Legal Services, interpretation

and application of the provision of LASEPA Edict 1997 to the various operations of the

Agency. The Unit draws Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and other forms of

agreement.

Functions
The Legal Unit performs several functions but not limited to:
 Providing mediation and arbitration services between complainants;

 Interpretation and enforcement of the LASEPA LAW and all other related

environmental law as promulgated by the State;

 Advisory Services to all the departments and units in the Agency as the need arises;

 Preparation of Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency and other parties;

 Advising the Agency and providing guidelines of operations during Partnership

Programs with private or non-governmental organizations; and

 Prosecution and Defense cases as they may arise

2.2.8Engineering Unit

Functions
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  Study the design proposals for abatement facilities and approve same considered

adequate to meet environmental standards.

 Supervise and monitor the construction and installation of engineering abatement

facilities given approval.

 Study and evaluate the technical and engineering details of Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA), Environmental Audit Report (EAR) and Environmental

Assessment Report (EA).

 To carry out construction and civil works on the Agency’s projects and render

building maintenance.

 Provide engineering consultancy services and advise the Agency and public on

matters affecting the Agency and public accordingly.

 To render technical reports during commissioning of technical installations.

2.2.9 Internal Audit Department

This is the Internal Audit arm of the Agency, the unit grants Advisory Audit Services, Checks

the reliability of the accounting information and more.

Functions
 Maintaining an adequate internal control system against fraud and waste;

 Examining all books of Accounts with a view to ensuring adherence to all stipulated

financial guidelines;

 Safeguarding and verifying the existence of Assets;

 Checking the reliability of the accounting information e.g payroll;

 Conducting monthly staff verification exercise;

 Report, findings and recommendations to the management

2.2.10Compliance monitoring unit

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The main thrust of the compliance monitoring unit is to assist organizations and facilities to

meet up with regulatory standards, especially in cases which the Agency has discovered

lapses. The other schedule of duty of the Compliance Monitoring Unit includes the following:

Functions
 Coordinating the activities of the unit and reporting directly to the General

Manager/CEO, LASEPA;

 Receiving reports and feedbacks from other units and departments in the Agency on

organizations or facilities who have failed to meet up with environmental standards;

 Earmarking companies that have outstanding environmental issues;

 Designing and supervising baseline studies on compliance monitoring exercise;

 Formulating standards for compliance status

2.2.11Project and special duties unit

The Unit was created in 2009 with Terms of Reference which include but not limited to:

Functions
 Periodic environmental management assessment of petrol retail station and tank farms

(oil installations) within the State.

 Updating existing data on storage facilities of each tank farm and retail petrol station

 Monitoring of industries in conjunction with other departments of the Agency as

prepared by Billings and Monitoring Unit.

 Review of operational guidelines and regulation on environmental management and

control (downstream Oil and Gas Sector) in conjunction with relevant stakeholders.

 Capacity building programmes on best technology and management practices in both

the oil and gas sectors.

 Stakeholders’ sensitization meeting on best practices for handling/management and

safe disposal of spent/used oil.

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  Request for submission of technical reports (e.g. spill prevention control and

countermeasures (SPCC); Environmental management review)

 Facilitating the construction of waste/used/spent oil recycling plant.

2.2.12 Billing and monitoring unit

As the name implies, the unit is saddled with the responsibility of sending harmonized bills

(which include Laboratory charges, Chemical Storage Permit Fees and Petroleum Storage

Permit Fees) as well as being the gateway of the Agency to all manufacturing premises that

operate in Lagos State.

Functions

 Coordinating the Agency’s inspection team to various facilities in the State in order to

ascertain their activities and impacts on the environment;

 Scheduling of companies to be visited by the Agency;

 Regular updating of companies’ directory to ensure adequate industrial monitoring in

view of enhancing the scope of industrial compliance to environmental regulations;

 Preparation of harmonized bills (chemical storage permit, Petroleum Storage Permit,

Laboratory Analysis Bill) for the Agency;

 Any other ad hoc assignment that may be given to the unit.

2.2.13Data management unit

The Unit was created in 2010 from the existing Research and Development Department for

storage, retrieval and use of data by other departments.

Functions

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  Collection, collation, processing and interpretation of environmental data for the

Agency.

 Archiving the summary of activities of various departments and units of the Agency.

 Archiving and providing of authoritative data and information on the environment to

project students and MDAs.

 Assessing the compliance level of facilities in various zones and areas for continuous

improvement purposes

2.2.14Planning, research and statistics unit

The unit was created in June, 2010. The unit is in charge of the responsibility of preparation

and compilation of budget proposal as well as statistics used for making policy in everyday

administration of the Agency.

Functions
 Rendition of revenue and expenditure returns which is usually forwarded to the

Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget

 The Unit is mandated to carry out quarterly appraisal and also charged with the

responsibility of timely budget performance and evaluation of the Agency’s budget

 Project Monitoring and Evaluation

 Management of medium term sector strategy and medium term expenditure frame

work process

 Assessment of capital fund from the oracle via Ministry of Economic Planning and

Budget

 The unit is also responsible for provision of technical support to Development

Partners Programmes as it relates to environmental issues and matters

2.2.15Electronic waste unit

The Unit was created in March 2011 with some of the following responsibilities:

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Functions
 Inventorization of E-Waste within the State;

 Development of appropriate technology for safe management of E-Waste handling,

storage, recovery, recycling, transport, control, treatment and disposal;

 Advocacy/Sensitization programmes on E-Waste, handling, storage, recovery,

recycling, transport, control, treatment and disposal;

 Preparation and drafting of E-Waste regulation for the State; and Monitoring the

activities of the Consultant in charge of E-Waste

2.2.16Noise and Emissions department

 Attending to public complaints on industrial pollution

 Attending to public complaints on noise pollution from religious worship centres,

night clubs, records/studio shops, hotels, residential areas et cetera

 Attending to public complaints on air pollution and emissions from religious worship

centres, night clubs, records/studio shops, hotels, residential areas et cetera

 Serving of abatement notices to respondents in places which default in the laws

provided against noise and air pollution.

2.2.17 Laboratory services department

Laboratory Services Department is the engine room of the Lagos State Environmental

Protection Agency (LASEPA) and it warehouses all the data and information upon which the

state of environment in Lagos State is determined. For effective management the Laboratory

Services Department was divided into seven (5) discrete units which would be later

elucidated.

 Potable Water Laboratory

 Waste Water Laboratory

 Sensitive (Heavy Metal) Laboratory

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  Land and Soil Laboratory

 Microbiology Laboratory

Functions

 Thus, the Laboratory Services provides the platform on which the Agency advises the

State Government and all environmental stakeholders on the state of the environment

and how best it can be improved.

 The Laboratory Services ensures the determination of effluent limitation standards,

potability of water, air quality and sludge analysis report in all the industries in the

state;

 The monitoring and analysis of packaged water (Sachet/Bottle and Dispenser) from

the Packaged Water Industry is carried out to secure the safety of the masses when

they consume such products;

 Similarly the Laboratory Services monitors the quality of water produced from all the

Water Works in the State;

 Surface water bodies in the state i.e. Lagoons, Streams, Rivers and creeks are

regularly monitored by the Laboratory Services;

 Underground water from wells and private boreholes in the state (special sampling to

determine the quality of underground water in the 20 LG and 37LCDA’S in the state)

are regularly collected, analysed and monitored;

 The Laboratory Services appraises the Monthly Effluent Reports from Industries in

accordance with regulatory requirements;

 The state of Dumpsites in the state are constantly monitored to ensure that their

immediate environment are not adversely impacted upon in such a way as to cause

epidemic;

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  Sewage Plants are monitored by the Agency throughout the State to ensure proper

functioning of Sewage Treatment Plants;

 Samples for analysis are collected from public complaint sites or from private sources

such as environmental consultants and project or research students for proper

analysis;

 The Laboratory Services determines the air quality in Market areas, motor parks,

industrial facilities, residential quarters etc;

 The Laboratory Services ensures that soil samples of degraded environments are

analyzed and where necessary bio-remediated through the polluter-pay principle;

CHAPTER THREE

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PARTICIPATION

3.1 RESPONSIBILITIES

In LASEPA, out of the many departments mentioned above, I was posted to 2 of the

departments namely and in chronological order: Noise and Emissions department and

Laboratory Services department. Because of the pandemic, my time at these departments

were cut short. But in the time I was there, I was responsible for a number of things which

would be discussed below.

3.2 NOISE AND EMISSIONS DEPARTMENT

The noise and emissions department is saddled with numerous responsibilities in the aim to

curb noise and air pollution in Lagos state. It operates based on public complaints. This

department is divided into 5 zones which handle different parts of Lagos.

 A Zone-

 B Zone-Surulere and Mushin

 C Zone-
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  D Zone-

 E Zone-

I was a part of the team which handled the B Zone. When complaints are received concerning

a location within the B zone, complaints for same areas are compiled and attended to
Day time (dB) Night time (dB)
together. The team goes out
Residential Area 55 45
on investigative visits in aim to

validate Commercial Area 70 60 complaints and

take necessary Industrial Area 85 65 steps to curb

the source of pollution in Surulere and Mushin areas. Some of the facilities which these

complaints highlight include: religious worship centres, night clubs and bars, records/studio

shops, hotels, event centres, restaurants and even residential areas.

In cases of noise pollution complaints, a noise meter(Figure 1) is used to measure the noise

levels in decibels (dB) and the readings are used to cross-reference the permissible noise

levels in Lagos state as seen in the Lagos State Management and Protection Law 2017 Part

IV.

After cross-referencing, if it is confirmed that the noise levels are above the permissible noise

levels as seen above, an abatement notice is issued to the defaulter to comply with the

permissible noise levels.

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In cases of air pollution which is usually relating to soot, smoke and fumes emanating from

generators and chimneys, and abatement notice is also served instructing defaulters to service

and increase chimney height of said generator.

In both noise and air pollution complaints, pictorial evidences are gathered during

investigative visits of which I was responsible for. Failure to comply with abatement notices

by defaulters warrants the issuance of pre-sanction notices. In cases, where compliance is still

not seen, a sanction notice is given in which the said facility is sealed and a fine is levied on

the owner before the facility can be reopened.

In some instances also, a mediation meeting can be set between the complainant and the

respondents to come to an agreement.

After investigative visits, the data collected is used to make reports which show observations

made, actions taken and recommendations. Reports are then filed alongside complaints,

pictorial evidences and a copy of the issued abatement notice for future referencing.

In these activities, I was responsible for compiling complaints andplanning out the order in

which the team would carry out the investigative visits, taking of noise readings, gathering of

pictorial evidences and partially for making of reports after investigative visits.

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Figure 1; Noise meter (LASEPA, 2020)

3.3LABORATORY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

In my time at the laboratory services department, out of the five discrete units mentioned

earlier, I was able to work in potable water laboratory and microbiology laboratory.

Some of the equipment used in the laboratory include:

 UV spectrophotometer

 PH meter

 Dissolved oxygen meter

 Turbidity meter

 Multimeter

 Fume cupboard

 COD reactor

 Hot air oven

 Autoclave

 Incubator

 Refrigerator

 Analytical/weighing balance

 Laminar air flow cabinet

 Colony counter

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  water distiller

Figure 2; Incubator (LASEPA, 2018) Figure 3; Autoclave (LASEPA,

2018)

The application and function of some of the above listed equipment will come into play in the

explanation of experiments and parameters carried out in the laboratories I was able to work

in.

3.3.1 POTABLE WATER LABORATORY

Potable water is water which is fit for consumption and use by human and other animals,

otherwise called drinking water in reference to its intended use and it is analyzed in order to

determine its potability and whether it is safe for drinking. Potable water laboratory conducts

analysis on potable water samples. The water samples are usually raw or treated.

Sources of Potable Water

1. Packaged water facilities

2. Manufacturing industries that use water in the production process

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 3. Water corporation / water works

4. Homes / markets wells and borehole

5. Food and beverage industries

The tests that the potable water laboratory carries out are:

1. Dissolved oxygen and temperature test

2. Chloride test

3. Acidity test

4. Alkalinity test

5. Hardness

6. Digestion: Determination of heavy metals

Dissolved oxygen and temperature test is carried out prior to any other test, as it is a major

pollutant indicator to determine the amount of dissolved oxygen present in water which is

needed for respiration by aquatic organisms and the temperature off the water sample.

Chloride Test

Aim: To determine the amount of chloride in water sample.

Apparatus: Burette, Pipette, 250mL conical flask, measuring cylinder

Reagents:Potassium chromate, 0.02 silver nitrate (AgNO3)

Procedure:

 100ml of potable water sample was measured into a 250ml conical flask. 1 ml of

potassium chromate solution was added into it and was titrated against 0.02N AgNO 3

(titrant) with constant stirring until slight red color persists (brick red).

 Blank was also carried using distilled or deionized water following the same

procedure.

( final volume – initial volume)– blank

Chloride = x 1000
Volume of sample
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Acidity test

Aim: To measure the acidity of a water sample

Apparatus: Burette, Pipette, 250mL conical flask, measuring cylinder

Reagents: 0.02N sodium hydroxide, phenolphthalein indicator

Procedure:

 Acidity was carried out by adding 2 - 3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator into 100ml

of waster sample and was titrated against 0.02N sodium hydroxide until a pink color

was obtained

( final titre – initial titre)

Acidity = x 1000
volume of sample

Alkalinity test

Aim: To measure the alkalinity of a water sample

Apparatus: Burette, Pipette, 250mL conical flask, measuring cylinder

Reagents: 0.1N hydrochloric acid, methylorange and phenolphthalein indicator

Procedure:

 100ml of water sample was measured into a conical flask

 2-3 drops of methyl orange was added into potable water and 2-3 drops of

phenolphthalein and methyl orange were added into waste water due to its pollution

load.

 The sample was titrated against 0.1N HCl until the color changed to peach

( final titre – initial titre)

Alkalinity = x 5000
volume of sample

Hardness test

Aim: To measure the carbonate and magnesiumions in water sample

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Apparatus: Burette, Pipette, 250mL conical flask, measuring cylinder

Reagents: Ammonium buffer, ethylene diaminetetracetyl acid (ETDA), Erichrome Black T

Procedure:

 50ml of potable water sample was measured into a 100ml conical flask

 1ml of ammonium buffer and 2 drops of erichrome black T were added into the

sample and was titrated against 0.01N EDTA until the color changed from purple to

blue black.

( final titre – initial titre)

 Hardness = x 1000
volume of sample

Digestion: Determination of heavy metals

Digestion is the breakdown of complex molecules (chemical bond) in water sample to release

heavy metals in the presence of acid and heat. Heavy metals are metals that are abundant in

nature (bioavailability) and are toxic to man and animals when they are accumulated in body

tissues.

Aim: To determine the presence of heavy and trace metals in waste water sample.

Apparatus: Test tube, filter paper, funnel, conical flask, heat, wash bottle

Procedure:

 100ml of water sample was measured into a 250ml conical flask and was placed

inside the fume cupboard.

 5ml of conc. Nitric acid was added into the sample and was heat on the heating

mantle until about 5-15ml of the sample was left in the conical flask. The sample left

is called digestate.

 The digestate was filtered into a 50ml measuring cylinder (taking the digested

volume (DV) and dilute the filtrate with deionized water up to 50ml.

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  The diluted sample was transferred into a test tube, cover with foil paper and was

taken to heavy metals laboratory for further analysis through atomic absorption

spectrophotometer in the determination of heavy and trace metals.

3.3.2 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY

The microbiology laboratory is responsible for carrying out microbial analysis on both waste

water and potable water samples. Waste water is any water that has been adversely affected

in quality by human anthropogenic influence and it is analyzed in order to determine its

pollution load so as to know their effects on the ecosystem. As such, the microbial analysis is

done on these water sample in order to detect and enumerate the number of total coliforms

and Escherichiacoli (E. coli) that may be present in them.

Coliform bacteria and water quality indicator

Coliforms and E.coli are often regarded as “indicator organisms” because their presence in

water indicate the potential presence of pathogens such as disease-causing bacteria, viruses,

parasites and protozoan. If these pathogens are present, the most common symptoms include

gastrointestinal upset and general flu-like symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps,

vomiting and diarrhoea and they are most likely common in children, elders and immuno-

compromised individuals.

Drinking water standard

Since Coliform bacteria persist longer in water than most pathogens, the absence of coliforms

lead to the assumption that the water supply is microbiologically safe to drink. Therefore, the

drinking water standard requires that no coliform bacteria or E. coli be present in drinking

water.

Microbial water analysis

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The method used in the microbiology laboratory for water analysis is the Multiple Tube

Fermentation

Steps Involved in Multiple Tube Fermentation

1. Sample Collection: Samples received from industries and other facilities are tested

firstly for amount of dissolved oxygen before dissemination to other laboratories.

After the test, samples from waste and water and potable water laboratories were

collected in sample collection bottles and transferred to the microbiology laboratory.

2. Preparation of Media: 3 media are used namely:

a. Plate Count Agar (TPC)- This monitors general bacterial growth.

b. Mac Conkey Agar (MAC)- This monitors total coliform growth

c. Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMB)- This monitors faecal coliform growth

All 3 media are prepared accordingly;

17.5× Volume of distilled water ( mL )

a. Amount of TPC =
1000

52×Volume of distilled water ( mL )

b. Amount of MAC=
1000

37.5× Volume of distilled water (mL)

c. Amount of EMB=
1000

Volume of distilled water=Assumed volume of petri dish × no. of water samples

17.5g, 52g and 37.5g are manufacturer’s specifications

The respective amounts of the media calculated are put in sterilized conical flasks. The

volume of distilled water calculated is added. The conical flasks are then sealed with cotton

wool and foil.

3. Sterilization of prepared media and glass wares: Prepared media was autoclaved at

1210C and 1.5psi (pounds per square inch) for 15 minutes in order to sterilize the agar.

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 The agar was removed from the autoclave after 15 minutes and left to cool. Glass

wares were also placed in an oven for 2 hours at 180˚C.

4. Inoculation of Samples: This process occurs in a lamina air flow cabinet. Sterlized

media and glass wares are retrieved from the autoclave and oven respectively and

allowed to cool. The method of inoculation is pour plate method i.e. introduction of

samples into petri dish before media is introduced.1m of each sample was pipette into

3 petri dishes and the 3 different agar were poured onto them and were allowed to

solidify.

5. Incubation: The plates were inverted and placed inside the incubator at 370C for 48

hours.

6. Reading and interpretation: After 24hours of incubation, the petri dishes were

brought out of the incubator andthe petri dishes with plate count agar were observed

for colony growth under florescent light and were counted and recorded. Colonies that

were more than 100 are recorded as TNTC (Too Numerous To Count).

The petri dishes with Mac Conkey agar are checked for growth and pink colour

changes. The petri dishes with Eosin Methylene Blue agar were also checked for

growth and green metallic (shiny) colour change.

The data is interpreted as follows for both potable water and waste water samples:

Name of TPC MAC EMB Comment

Industry

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In TPC data interpretation, any colony count above 100 gets an unsatisfactory comment. In

MAC, if a pink colour is seen, the result is positive and gets an unsatisfactory comment

irrespective of if the colony count is below 100. In addition, if no pink ccolour change is seen

and there is growth then the result is negative. If neither colour change nor growth is seen, the

comment is NIL. The principle of interpretation of MAC is the same for EMB.

7. Destruction of Examined Microbes and Cultured Media: Destruction is done with

heat in the autoclave at 121˚C for 15 minutes to kill bacteria cultured.

Precautions to Take to Avoid Undue Contamination during the Multiple Tube

Fermentation Method

 Properly swab every equipment like the lamina flow cabinet, the tables, and the

incubators and the glasswares. Swabbing before and after inoculation is also

important.

 The use of hair nets, nose masks, and latex gloves should be strictly adhered to.

 Minimal level of talking in the inoculating room.

 All forms of inoculation must be carried out in the Lamina flow cabinet.

CHAPTER FOUR
WORK EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLWDGE GAINED

4.1 EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS GAINED

During my internship period, the time I spent in the Noise and emissions and laboratory

services departments equipped me with several skills and experiences which are needed in

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the general day to day work life, specific to the practice of biochemistry and even for

personal development. They are as follows:

1. Communication skills: While I was at the noise and emissions department, during the

investigative visits there was a need to effectively communicate with the respondents

in places visited. The tone of conversation is key to maintain calm in dialogue. The

language of communication was also a part to it. I was able to learn how to mediate a

dialogue, maintain calmness and professionalism even with un-cooperating

respondents. I was also able to develop my speaking of Yoruba language.

Communicating with co-workers and superiors was also developed.

2. Reporting and filing skills: After investigative visits, reports are made to provide

future references for those visits. I was taught how to make these report providing all

relevant information using Microsoft Word. After making these reports, they were to

be filed according to their filing system which was also taught to me.

3. Teamwork skill: The B zone comprised of 4 people. I was able to work effectively

with my team members and the head following the responsibilities I was given.

4. I learnt how to analyze water samples for hardness, acidity, alkalinity, chloride

content and heavy metals (calcium and magnesium ions) in the potable water

laboratory.

5. I learnt how to carry out microbial analysis of water samples using the multiple tube

fermentation in the microbiology laboratory.

4.2 CHALLENGES FACED

With the skills I picked up came several challenges in the departments where I functioned.

They are as follows:

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 1. The major challenge which was faced by all was the COVID-19 pandemic, this led to

the period of SIWES attachment being cut short.

2. The period of seeking for SIWES attachment was a real struggle as I attempted

applying to about 10 different organizations of which only one provided a positive

and feasible result.

3. The investigative visits were usually very tiring and even worse in cases where we

made contact with un-cooperating respondents.

4. Navigating around some areas in Lagos was not too difficult because of the Google

Maps mobile application but some areas still proved a daunting task to locate.

5. At first, it was difficult to work and not get paid as my previous work experience

involved payments. But I was able to adjust to the situation over time.

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This Industrial Training (I.T.) report lays out my experiences as an intern at Lagos State

Environmental Protection Agency.

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I was privileged to have worked in a range of departments in the establishment, from working

at Noise and Emissions department to working at the Potable Water and Microbiology

laboratories.

In this time given for the IT training, I was able to gain further practical knowledge in

biochemistry as well as develop my communication, teamwork, computer literacy skills at the

Noise and emissions Department. The skills I was able to gather justifies the relevance of the

programme as I was able to gain skills in my field of study as well as life skills.

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