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

Abstract

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 quality