Assessment of the impact of abattoir activities on the physicochemical properties of soils within a residential area of Omu-Aran, Nigeria.

Abstract

Waste effluents from abattoirs have been documented to have harmful effects on the soil media. There is little information about the level of contamination by abattoir effluents on the soil media in Omu-Aran. This study therefore assessed soil samples for possible contamination of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals from different points and some meters away from the mini abattoir in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. Soil samples which are 18 in number were collected from the soil around wells which are owned by individuals and a well designated as Control situated at distances which vary and different elevations to the abattoir. The physicochemical parameters of the soil samples were obtained by applying the standard methods. The analysis of data was achieved using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The mean values of parameters in the soil samples collected around the studied wells ranged from 31.00±2.00–110.03±8.72 mg/L and 7.21±0.02–7.83±0.02 for electrical conductivity and pH respectively. Chloride, nitrate and phosphate had values of 6.37±0.13–9.13±0.21 mg/L, 3.67±0.07–4.50±0.31 mg/L and 3.86±0.07–5.41±0.30 mg/L respectively. However, average values for heavy metals (Ni, Cr and Pb) though slightly higher than the control site, were above permissible limits. Activities within Omu-Aran Abattoir impacts negatively on the surrounding arable soils; therefore, pollution control procedures which are sustainable should be implemented for abattoirs situated in residential areas.

Physicochemical Characteristics, Heavy Metal Levels and Pollution Index Status IN Soil Samples around NNOBI Abattoir in Anambra State

“…The samples had mean electrical conductivity values in the following decreasing order: D1> D2> D3> D4> control. The mean electrical conductivity values of the sampling points D1 -4 and control met the WHO recommended permissible limits.Elemile et al,23 reported higher mean electrical conductivity values of 79.60±4.2 and 55.43±4.94 µS/cm for soils around the abattoir in Omu -Aran, Kwara State than what was obtained for EC in the studied soil samples. Accordingly, they stated that the increase in electrical conductivity in the soils around abattoirs could be due to the build-up of wastes such as bones, hairs, flesh and blood in abattoir effluents.…”

“…Organic carbon content in the soil plays a vital role in the soil development, fertility and moisture availability. 23 stated that if the concentration of phosphorus in the soil exceeds the acceptable limits, it could lead to the under development of plants growth and equally restricts the uptake of nitrogen by plants.…”

“…The mean values of Pb in the soil samples were statistically significant lead has been reported as a hazardous element and it has the potential for bioaccumulation not only in man but as well in plants and animals 24 . Elemile et al 23 than in soil sample D4 could be attributed to the higher contamination of Cr containing wastes at control sites occasioned by the nature of the anthropogenic activities taking place there than at sampling point D4. The pollution index of sampling point D1 therefore indicates a possible negative effect of Pb in the soil, plants grown in the soil and the general environment.…”

A Water Quality Index Approach in Estimating Water Quality of Shallow Wells Situated Near Pollution Sources in a Community

“…Many of these sources are not regulated as they are done by private individuals while appropriate steps ensuring safe and sustainable water supply are often ignored. These water sources become easily polluted from waste arising from human activities, infiltrating sewage effluent and wash-down of contaminated soil surfaces [9,10]. The soil media can also play a major role in polluting groundwater.…”

“…The soil media can also play a major role in polluting groundwater. This is because soils can be laden with toxic metals and harmful organic substances which eventually find their way into water streams via infiltration [10]. In studies regarding water quality, surface waters and boreholes (deep wells) have received majority of the attention [11] whereas there is limited information on the status of shallow wells, but shallow wells are among the most important water sources in many sub-Saharan African rural areas [12,13].…”