The Effects of Abattoir Waste on Water Quality in Gwagwalada-Abuja, Nigeria

This paper examined the impact of abattoir wastes on water quality around an abattoir site in Gwagwalada. The work was premised on the fact that untreated wastes from the abattoir are discharged directly into open drainage which flows into a nearby stream. Leachates from dumped and decomposed wastes have also been observed to percolate into soil, and also flow into the stream. Water samples were collected from four points along the stream and subjected to laboratory analysis for heavy metal contents (Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Cupper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Aluminium (Al) Cyanide (Cn), Boron (B), and Nickel (Ni)., as well as some physical and chemical properties [such as pH, Dissolved Oxygen, salinity, conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)]. The student t –test, and the Analysis of Variance were utilized to determine variations in concentrations of the analysed properties. It was discovered that most of the analysed properties of the water such as:- pH (5.75), Filterable Solid (0.06), DO (5.15), TDS (153.75), Cd. (0.11)Cu(0.25)B (0.14) are still below the nationally and internationally accepted limits. Despite that, continuous discharge of these wastes into the stream however, may in no distant time, pose a threat to human health. The paper thus concludes by recommending that a mechanism be put in place for the treatment of these abattoir wastes before they are then properly disposed.Keywords: Abattoir; Wastes; Water quality, Pollutio

Seasonal variation in physico-chemical properties of groundwater around Karu abattoir

This study examined the effect of seasonal variation on the physical, chemical and biological properties of groundwater around Karu abattoir. Water samples were collected from different wells at different distances around the abattoir comprising Group A (within abattoir), Group B (60m from abattoir) and Group C (200-300m from abattoir) for wet and dry seasons. Parameters analysed are temperature, turbidity, TDS, TSS, pH, DO, BOD, total hardness, conductivity, iron content, nitrate, sulphate, E.coli and faecal streptococci. Result of the analyses showed that all the parameters have higher concentration during the wet season than in the dry season in all the Groups, except for BOD, sulphate and iron. Paired sample t-test results revealed that parameters such as TDS, conductivity,DO, nitrate, sulphate and iron have no significant variation in all the Groups. Most of the parameters have their mean values within the WHO standards in both seasons; however mean values for TSS, E.coli and faecal streptococci are higher than the guideline provisions, while DO does not meet the recommended values in both seasons; and BOD values are higher than WHO standard. The study concluded that the water, especially from Groups A and B, are more polluted during the wet season and recommended that it must be adequately treated if it is to be used for drinking.Keywords: Seasonal variation, Groundwater, Abattoir, Effluents, Water qualit

Spatial Variation in Groundwater Pollution from Abattoir Effluents in Karu, Abuja, Nigeria

This study assessed the spatial pollution of groundwater around Karu abattoir by the abattoir effluents by analysing the physical, chemical and biological parameters of water samples collected from different wells at different distances around the abattoir comprising Group A (within abattoir), Group B (60m from abattoir) and Group C (200-300m from abattoir). Parameters analysed were temperature, turbidity, TDS, TSS, pH, DO, BOD, total hardness, conductivity, iron content, nitrate, sulphate, E.coli and faecal streptococci. Result of the analyses showed that the concentrations are higher in Group A water samples, and reduced slightly in the Group B and then the Group C samples, for parameters such as temperature, turbidity, TDS, TSS, BOD, sulphate, iron content, E.coli and faecal streptococci. Values for the concentration of electrical conductivity, total hardness and nitrate were inconsistent across the Groups; Group A samples were more acidic and the acidity reduces with distance from the abattoir; they also have reduced DO but the values increased slightly with Groups B and C. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P≤0.05 showed significant variation in the concentration of the parameters except for temperature, turbidity, pH and electrical conductivity which showed no significant variation. The parameters were at different compliance level with the WHO and NSDWQ standards. The study therefore concluded that the water in Groups A and B, was not fit for drinking unless adequately treated. It was recommended that there is the need for the treatment of the abattoir effluents before discharging them into the environment.Keywords: Spatial variation, Groundwater, Pollution, Abattoir, Effluents, Water quality