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

Abstract

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, Pollution