Health hazards of abattoir effluents discharged from the Sokoto central abattoir, Nigeria

This study was undertaken to determine the level of water pollution that can be attributed to effluents discharged from the Sokoto Central abattoir. Both surface and well water samples from the abattoir and adjacent wells were investigated to determine their microbial and physicochemical properties. Samples were collected from five different spots that include; effluents from the abattoir where visceral organs are washed (sample point A), two wells located in the adjacent livestock market (sample point B and C), drainage outside the abattoir (sample point D) and another well downstream the abattoir used for irrigation farming (sample point E). The values for pH, were 7.2, 8.0, 7.5 and 6.8 for all the sampling sites respectively. Similarly, the values of nitrate and BOD recorded were all within the acceptable limit except for point A which had nitrate (60.0 mgl-1) and BOD (26.8 mgl-1) above the acceptable limit. While the total coliforms, for sampling point A and D were found to be very high. There was a significant difference in the quality of water from the studied samples in comparison with the acceptable standard especially with respect to total coliform, BOD, COD, and nitrates. The findings from this study indicate that abattoirs have the potential to contaminate and pollute water sources which may produce a detrimental effect on the quality of groundwater despite the sieving process. Hence, measures should be taken to prevent locating abattoirs in close proximity to human dwellings. Similarly, for the existing ones encroached by human habitation, effective pollution control measures such as treatment of hazardous waste and minimizing the use of chemicals for industrial and agricultural purposes should be taken in order to preserve the quality of groundwater and minimize the potential resultant health effect caused by such contaminants. Keywords: Abattoir effluents, Health hazards, Sokoto State, Water quality, Waste water