EFFECT OF ABATTOIR WASTE ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND FAECAL COLIFORM LOAD OF SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND WATER BODIES IN UGHELLI, DELTA STATE

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of effluent from the Ogheneweta abattoir on the physico-chemical and faecal coliform load of surface and underground water surrounding the abattoir. The study compared the water quality parameters with the guidelines provided by the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The research involved the determination of various factors, including physico-chemical characteristics, microbial activity, and spatial and seasonal variations of water. Four sampling stations were selected for the study, with two focusing on groundwater impact and the other two on surface water impact. Differences between the two types of stations were also analyzed. Field sampling was conducted over a nine-month period, and water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, and faecal coliform load were measured. Standard methods and instruments were utilized for sample collection and analysis, following established water analysis procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired sample T-test (P<0.05). The results indicated that water temperature ranged from 25.56oC to 27.78oC, pH from 6.52 to 7.11, total dissolved solids (TDS) from 10.67mg/l to 210.78mg/l, electrical conductivity (EC) from 20.95mg/l to 426.05mg/l, dissolved oxygen (DO) from 4.17mg/l to 4.72mg/l, turbidity from 1.95mg/l to 9.67mg/l, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from 1.33mg/l to 1.74mg/l. Faecal coliform counts in underground and surface water samples ranged from 2.00 to 2.22MPN/100L and 2.67 to 7.33MPN/100L, respectively. The study findings revealed that the abattoir activities had a negative impact on the quality of both surface and underground water within the Ogheneweta abattoir area. While most physico-chemical and microbial parameters adhered to FMENV and WHO guidelines, the concentrations of turbidity in surface water and faecal coliform in both surface and underground water exceeded the acceptable limits. Moreover, the study showed distinct seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters, with higher values recorded for pH, TDS, and turbidity during the rainy season, and lower values observed for conductivity. Based on the results, it is recommended that a groundwater monitoring program be implemented to assess the water quality status of wells near abattoirs, ensuring the protection of local residents’ health. Prompt intervention measures, including the establishment of effluent treatment facilities, are essential for effective waste management at abattoirs in Ughelli.