Abstract
BackgroundWater pollution from abattoir effluents may create substantial environmental and public health hazards. Available literature is scanty on the quality of groundwater located near abattoirs in tropical developing countries like Nigeria. This study, therefore, accessed the impact of abattoir activities on the quality of groundwater in Omu-Aran Nigeria.MethodsA total of eighteen water samples were taken from five privately own wells and one control well located at varying distances and elevations to the abattoir. The physicochemical characteristics of the water were determined using the standard methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA.ResultsThe mean values of parameters in the water samples collected from the studied wells ranged from 5.80 ± 0.20 to 7.23 ± 0.55 mg/L, 12.0 ± 1.0 to 26.0 ± 2.0 mg/L, 0.06 ± 0.02 to 0.16 ± 0.02 mg/L and 208.0 ± 24.25 to 254.67 ± 12.22 cfu/mL for dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, lead and total coliforms, respectively. There was a significant difference in the quality of water from the studied and control wells in the parameters except that of total coliform. The quality of the groundwater improved with increasing distance from the abattoir.ConclusionsFindings revealed that abattoirs have the potential to impact the quality of groundwater. Therefore, careful consideration is required when choosing a location for siting new abattoirs. For existing ones, particularly those close to residential areas, effective pollution control measures should be put in place to protect groundwater.
Highlights
Water is the most relevant natural resources to the existence of man
Water pollution from abattoir effluents, runoff from feedlots in dairy farms, grazed pastures, fallow and sod amended with chicken wastes, grassland treated with dairy manure, and sewage sludge leads to contamination of water bodies and could create significant environmental and public health hazards [6]
This is important because most residents in developing countries believe that because water is potable based on physical observations, it has no effects on their health
Summary
A total of eighteen water samples were taken from five privately own wells and one control well located at varying distances and elevations to the abattoir.
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