Environmental Impact of Abattoir Waste Discharge on Groundwater Quality in Osubi Community, Delta State, Nigeria

Oboh I. P., ^*Egun N. K., Olowo U. C., and Nwaokolo J. I.

Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Accepted November 10, 2018

Increasing anthropogenic activities have impacted negatively on groundwater quality. The study examines the groundwater quality around the abattoir in Osubi community. Water samples were collected monthly from three (3) boreholes located at different distances from the abattoir for a period of six months. Twenty-five (25) physico–chemical parameters were analyzed using standard procedures, and the results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that except for elevated levels of Turbidity, Total suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Magnesium; concentrations of other physico-chemical parameters were within acceptable limits of NSDWQ and WHO. The abattoir was seen to influence the concentrations of these parameters significantly across the three borehole locations with decreasing concentrations relative to distance from the abattoir, except for copper, lead, cadmium, vanadium, chromium and total hydrocarbon. Although, Water Quality Index (WQI) revealed good water quality suitable for human consumption and use for other domestic purposes, there is need to monitor and ensure proper disposal of waste at the abattoir to forestall further groundwater contamination.

Key words: Abattoir, Waste, Water quality, Groundwater, Osubi, Nigeria.

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