). Influences of Abattoir Discharges on Water Quality

Abstract

Available ground and surface water around abattoirs within Abeokuta metropolis was assessed for their quality. Nine (four stream, three ground (borehole) and two control) water samples were randomly collected in 10 days interval from different abattoirs in April, 2019 (the month between dry and wet season) three times and analysed using standard procedures and analytical instruments. The obtained results were analysed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that pH and Temperature were neutral and at room temperature, respectively. The order of concentrations of EC (µS/ cm), TDS, BOD, hardness and chloride (mg/ L) unlike DO followed stream > groundwater > control and varied significantly (p < 0.05). The heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe) were significantly different (p < 0.05) with their concentrations varying across the three sets of samples. Value of the Faecal Coliform was nil in the control samples and ≥ 10 CFU/ mL in the stream and groundwater samples. The study deduced that abattoir discharges can contaminate available water quality and pose a grievous threat to human health. The regulatory and concerned agents need to persuade personnel of the abattoir to care for the water sources around them.