The discharge of untreated high-strength wastewater into water bodies results in water quality deterioration of the receiving waters. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of abattoir wastewater discharge on the water quality of river Kaduna, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from river Kaduna at three points: 100m upstream of the abattoir discharge point, at the discharge point, and 100m downstream of the discharge point for a 6-month period (July-September in the rainy season and October-December in the dry season). Physicochemical analyses were conducted on the collected samples in the laboratory using standard methods. The pH was within a fixed band of 6-8. The downstream 5-day biochemical oxygen demand of the receiving river water increased significantly to 75% in July and up to 192% in December. Suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia-nitrogen, total nitrogen and total phosphorus followed a similar trend. Dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, nitrate-N, iron, zinc and cadmium also increased appreciably. The downstream levels of these parameters were higher than their corresponding upstream values, indicating that the discharge of the abattoir wastewater into the river has negatively impacted the river water. The dilution of the waste in the river water was not enough to reduce them to acceptable levels. This research demonstrates that abattoir wastewater impacts the river water negatively. The findings can be useful in identifying water quality problem areas and planning of engineering interventions as well as basis for legislation.

Groundwater is the main source of water for most city dwellers in Nigeria. In this study, the impacts of urban livestock production on groundwater quality in Kaduna metropolis were assessed through water quality monitoring. Groundwater samples were collected from wells located around 2 abattoirs (Tudunwada and Kawo abattoirs) and in 8 livestock-keeping households for a 6-month period (July-December). Physico-chemical analyses were conducted on the samples using standard methods. Results indicate that groundwater is negatively impacted in terms of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus and cadmium; and this impact is of great concern as the values for these parameters are well in excess of established limits. There is negative impact in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and zinc but this impact is not a concern as most of the values are within limits. However, no impact was observed on groundwater quality in terms of calcium as it showed no definite pattern of variation. Similarly, iron exhibited very low concentrations in the samples with a few exceptions in the months of July and August for the two abattoir sites. Lead was not detected in any of the samples throughout the study period. This study indicates that livestock keeping and processing activities have negative impact on groundwater quality in Kaduna metropolis. The groundwater pollution due to urban livestock production emanates from point sources and control measures can be easily applied.