Effect of abattoir wastes on stream quality in the Bolgatanga municipality, Ghana-West Africa.

Abstract

This research was undertaken to determine abattoir wastes effect on the stream quality along Kollaa stream in Sawaba area of Bolgatanga municipality. The study also determined the microbiological quality and some physicochemical parameters of the stream that takes delivery of untreated waste from the abattoir and the extent of pollution through discharge of waste from abattoir sites into stream water. Three water samples were collected from (effluent discharge point, upstream and downstream) in the stream using sterile containers. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) was determined by calculating the difference in the initial and final dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was determined using dissolved oxygen probe and meter. Total dissolved solids were determined using HM Digital TDS meter. Fecal and total coliform coliforms counts were investigated by using multiple tube fermentation methods. Salmonella and total bacterial count and were determined using standard plate count method and pour plate method. The study results revealed that the stream contained high coliform counts attributable to the release of abattoir waste into the stream. Water samples from effluent discharge point had the highest BOD value of 60.5 mg/L, DO had 1.1 mg/L and TDS had 80 mg/L. Effluent discharge also had fecal coliform count of 80 mpn/100 ml, total coliform count of 500 mpn/100 ml and total bacteria count of 30 cfu/ml x 105. Upstream sample had BOD value of 2.1 mg/L, DO had 0.9 mg/L, TDS had 74 mg/L, fecal coliform count was 20 mpn/100 ml, total coliform count was 80 mpn/100 ml and total bacteria count was 10 cfu/ml × 105. Downstream sample also had BOD value of 2.1 mg/L, DO was 0.6mg/L, TDS was 70 mg/L, fecal coliform counts was 41 mpn/100 ml, total coliform was 70 mpn/100 ml and total bacteria counts was 20 cfu/ml × 105. All samples had no Salmonella count. Presence of the bacterial in the stream made it unwholesome for drinking purposes. Key words: Abattoir, pathogens, stream quality, effluent discharge, physical qualities, microbiological quality, upstream, downstream.