Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment, June, 2018; Vol.

14(2):183-188
Copyright © Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Print ISSN: 1596-2490, Electronic ISSN: 2545-5818, www.azojete.com.ng

AN INVESTIGATION ON THE POLLUTION POTENTIALS OF AN ABATOIR: A CASE

STUDY ON IKPOBA RIVER
*
S. E. Uwadiae and M. Agagbo
(Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Edo
State, Nigeria)
*Correspondence author: sylvester.uwadiae@uniben.edu

Abstract
The potential impact of discharge of untreated abattoir effluent on water quality of the Ikpoba River has been
investigated. Four sampling points were established along Ikpoba River downstream from the point of discharge;
the first point, S1 was the point of discharge of the effluent into the river, the second point, S2 was 10m from S1;
the third point, S3 was 50m from S1 and the fourth point, S4 is 100m from S1. The physicochemical properties of
samples analysed were done in duplicate and mean values were obtained. The physicochemical parameters
investigated were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS),
temperature, chloride, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand
(COD), turbidity and alkalinity. The range of values of the parameters were:5.65-5.91for pH; 61-667 µs/cm for
EC; 30-334mg/L for TDS; 10-130 mg/L for TSS; 28.6-29.0 OC for temperature; 10.65-106.50 mg/L for chloride;
4.8-120 mg/L for BOD; 0.2-5.4 mg/L for DO; 64–660 mg/L for COD; 5.2-101.60 NTU for turbidity and15.25-
152.50 mg/L for alkalinity. The values of all physicochemical parameters measured, with the exception of DO,
decreased downstream. The values of alkalinity, chloride, temperature, EC and TDS at all sampling points were
within the acceptable limits set by national environmental standards and regulations enforcement agency
(NESREA) and world health organisation (WHO). The values of the other parameters were either within the
maximum permissible limits set by the regulatory bodies at S4 or at S3 and S4 only. In general, the water is
unsafe for drinking and poses a threat to aquatic life at S1 in terms of pH, TSS, BOD, DO, COD and turbidity
with respective values of 5.91, 130 mg/L, 120 mg/L, 0.2 mg/L, 660 mg/L and101.6 NTU.

Keywords: Toxic, Ikpoba River, effluent, physicochemical parameters, aquatic life

1. Introduction
With the rapid development of modern industries, the environment has faced more and more
contamination than in the past (Sheela and Nayaka, 2012). Both organic and inorganic substances that
pollute the environment have been released into the environment as a result of domestic, agricultural and
industrial activities (Mouchet, 1986; Lim et al., 2010). Not only has the increasing human population led
to the emergence of more industries to make service delivery more efficient, it has also led to an
increased demand for goods and services. Increasing meat production to meet the protein needs of the
human population has also contributed greatly to the pollution status of aquatic ecosystems (Atuanya et
al, 2012).
Abattoirs are generally known all over the world to pollute the environment either directly or indirectly
from their various processes (Adelegan, 2002). Quinn and McFarlane (1989) observed that effluent
discharged from slaughterhouses has caused the deoxygenation of rivers. Tritt and Schuchardt (1992)
reported in a study in Germany that blood, one of the major dissolved pollutants in slaughter effluent,
has a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 375,000 mg/l. This impacts high organic pollutants on
receiving waters consequently creating high competition for oxygen within the ecosystem. In Nigeria,
many abattoirs dispose their effluents directly into streams and rivers without any form of treatment and
the slaughtered meat is washed with the same water (Adelegan, 2002). Such is the situation in several
private and government abattoirs in most parts of the country. Studies on abattoirs as reported by
Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment, June, 2018; Vol. 14(2):183-188.
ISSN 1596-2490; e-ISSN 2545-5818; www.azojete.com.ng

Cadmus et al. (1999) showed that zoonotic diseases (diseases of animals transmitted to humans) are yet
to be eliminated or fully controlled in more than 80% of the public abattoirs in Nigeria. Coker et al
(2001) identified seven pathogenic species of bacteria species in abattoir effluent in Southwestern
Nigeria. This study seeks to investigate the pollution status of effluent from Ikpoba abattoir, at Ikpoba
hill area of Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo state, and its impact on the physicochemical
parameters of Ikpoba River.

2. Methodology
2.1 Study area
Ikpoba River serves as the case study with respect to the abattoir effluent. Ikpoba river is in Ikpoba hill
area of Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo state; and it lies on the latitude of 6.21667 °N and
longitude of 5.76667 ° E. A map of the study area is shown in Figure 1.Ikpoba River is of interest as
effluents from the abattoir are discharged into it and many residents of that area fetch drinking water
from this river. .

Figure 1: Map of Benin City showing the study area (Ikpoba River)
2.2. Sample collection and preservation
Procedure for sample collection was adopted from APHA, (2005). Four sampling points were
established along Ikpoba River. The first point, S1 was the point of discharge of the effluent into the
river, the second point, S2 was 10m from the point of discharge; the third point, S3 was 50m from the
point of discharge and the fourth point, S4 was 100m from the point of discharge. Water samples were
collected at each sampling point by scooping using plastic bucket and poured into sterile 2 L plastic
bottles.
2.3 Analysis of samples
Standard procedures were adopted for determining the physicochemical properties of the samples from
the various discharge points.
For each of the samples collected from the various sampling points, the physicochemical properties
determined were pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, TSS, temperature, chloride, BOD, COD, DO,
turbidity and alkalinity. These parameters were determined using standard procedures (APHA, 2005). A
duplicate of sample parameters was analyzed for every sample to trace experimental error and show
capability of reproducing result (Marshall and Champagne, 1995).

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AZOJETE, 14(2):183-188. ISSN 1596-2490; e-ISSN 2545-5818, www.azojete.com.ng

3.0 Results and Discussion

Table 1 presents the results of the physicochemical properties analysis of samples collected at the
various sampling points.
Table 1: Physicochemical parameters of samples
Sampling Point
Parameter S1 S2 S3 S4 Range Mean
Ph 5.91 5.88 5.79 5.65 5.65 - 5.91 5.808
Conductivity (µS/cm) 667 221 98 61 61 – 667 261.75
TDS (mg/L) 334 110 49 30 30 – 334 130.75
TSS (mg/L) 130 60 40 10 10 – 130 60
Temperature (0C) 29.8 29 28.9 28.6 28.6 – 29.0 29.08
Chloride (mg/L) 106.5 71 17.75 10.65 10.65-106.50 51.475
BOD (mg/L) 120 62 12 4.8 4.8 – 120 49.7
DO (mg/L) 0.2 2 3.2 5.4 0.2 - 5.4 2.7
COD (mg/L) 660 400 148 64 64 – 660 318
Turbidity (NTU) 101.6 26.4 11.8 5.2 5.2 - 101.60 36.25
Alkalinity (mg CaCO3/L) 152.5 91.5 30.5 15.25 15.25-152.50 72.438

The pH values of samples, as given in Table 1, were found to decrease gradually from 5.91 at sampling
point 1 to 5.65 to sampling point 4. Water having a pH range of 6.5 -8.5 will generally support a good
number of aquatic species. Only a few species can tolerate pH values lower than 5 or greater than 9
(Harrison, 1999). The pH values of samples in this study were not within the national environmental
standards and regulations enforcement agency (NESREA) acceptable limit for the discharge of industrial
effluent to surface water of between 6 and 9. The mean pH value of 5.808 is higher than that observed in
a related study (Magaji and Chup, 2012). The mean values of EC, TDS and TSS for samples were all
found to steadily decrease across the sampling stations from sample station 1 to sample station 4. The
average values from sampling station 1 to sampling station 4 were 261.75 µs/cm for EC, 130.75 mg/L
for TDS and 60 mg/L, for TSS. The decrease in TSS could be attributed to continuous deposition as the
effluent flow down the river. Decrease in temperature from sampling station1 to 4 may also account for
decrease in TDS as most solutes tend to come out of solution as temperature decreases which lead to
decrease in dissolved solutes; this could be responsible for the decrease in EC values also. The values of
TDS across the four sampling points in this study were within than the NESREA MPL of 500 mg/L.
However, the values of TSS were only within the NESREA MPL of 25 mg/L at sampling point 4. The
EC values for samples across the four sampling points were within the WHO MPL of 1000 µs/cm for
industrial effluent discharged into surface water. The ability of water to conduct electricity due to the
presence of ionic solutes is referred as its electrical conductivity. The magnitude of conductivity
therefore is a useful indication of the total concentration of ionic solute. The low EC values recorded in
this study indicate low concentration of dissolved ion solutes TDS in water consists of dissolved mineral
salts that change the physical and chemical properties of the water. High concentration of TSS at
sampling points 1 to 3 will negatively affect the surface water ecosystem. Generally, the high TSS level
is not unconnected with the presence of high level of particulate matter from the abattoir wash down.
The values of turbidity of samples decreased from 101.6 NTU at sampling point1 to 5.2 NTU at
sampling point 4. The trend observed for turbidity is the same trend observed for TSS which is a major
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ISSN 1596-2490; e-ISSN 2545-5818; www.azojete.com.ng

determinant of turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of water’s lack of clarity. Water with high turbidity is
cloudy, while water with low turbidity is clear. The cloudiness is produced by light reflecting off of
particles in the water; therefore, the more particles in the water, the higher the turbidity.
The mean temperature of the effluents across the four sampling points is 29.08°C. The temperature
values of samples were found to decrease from 29.8°C at sampling point 1 to 28.6°C at sampling point 4.
The temperature value of 29.8°C at sampling point 1 is within the permissible limit set by NESREA for
industrial effluents discharged to surface water which stipulates that temperature must be less than 40°C
within 15 meters of the outfall. Generally, higher water temperature lowers the amount of dissolved
oxygen available for the aquatic life present and promotes excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae.
The mean value of chlorides in effluents across the four sampling points was 51.475 mg/L. The values
of chloride across the four sampling points in this study were within the NESREA MPL of 600 mg/L for
effluent discharged into surface water. Chlorides inhibit the growth of plants, bacteria and fish in surface
waters; high levels can lead to the breakdown in cell structure and can easily render aridity to exposed
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as indicated elsewhere (Mwinyihija, 2010).
The DO values of samples collected at sampling points 1 to 3 were less than the minimum DO standard
required to sustain aquatic life, which is 5 mg/L. A concentration below this value adversely affects
aquatic biological life, while concentrations below 2 mg/L may lead to death of most fishes (Chapman,
1992). The DO is a measure of the degree of pollution by organic matter, the destruction of organic
substances as well as the self-purification capacity of the water body. The increase in DO down the
river may be due to natural aeration downstream. The values of BOD decreased from 120 mg/L at
sampling point1 to 4.8 mg/L at sampling point 4. The BOD values at sampling point 1 and 2 were above
the NESREA MPL of 30 mg/L for industrial effluent discharged into surface water. However, BOD
values of samples collected from sampling points 3 and 4 were within than the NESREA MPL for
industrial effluent discharged into surface water. The decrease in BOD levels observed from sampling
point 1 to 4 could be attributed to continuous action of micro-organism as effluents flows down the
river. The effluents in sampling points 1 to 3 can be classified as heavily polluted by organic matter as
BOD > 10 mg/L. Discharge of effluent with a high oxygen demand directly into surface water,
overloads the sensitive balance maintained in the water. Oxygen is stripped from the water causing
oxygen dependent plants, bacteria or fish to die. The outcome is an environment populated by non-
oxygen dependent (anaerobic) organisms leading to toxic water conditions. The values of DO gradually
increased from 0.2 mg/L at sampling point 1 to 5.4 at sampling point 4. The values of COD decreased
from 600 mg/L at sampling point1 to 64 mg/L at sampling point 4. The COD of samples collected from
sampling points 1, 2 and 3 were above the maximum permissible limits of 80 mg/L given by NESREA
for wastewater. The COD of samples collected at sampling point 4 were however found to be within the
maximum permissible limits set by NESREA. High level of COD indicates the presence of chemical
oxidants in the effluent. COD measures the organic portion susceptible to oxidation by a strong chemical
oxidant. However, it is sometimes used to indicate the total organic matter present. COD is also used to
assess organic pollution in aqueous systems and is one of the most important parameters in water
monitoring Both BOD and COD are important water quality parameters and are very essential in water
quality assessment.
Alkalinity is a measure of weak acid and their salts present in water. Alkalinity can be better expressed
as the acid neutralizing capacity of a water body. The values of alkalinity decreased from 152.5 mg/L at
sampling point1 to 15.25 mg/L at sampling point 4. The mean alkalinity values obtained was 72.438 mg
CaCO3/L. High values of alkalinity may be attributed to underground sources of pollution which might
result from the high concentration of mineral salts due to geological nature of the bedrock in which the

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Uwadiae and Agagbo. An investigation on the pollution potentials of an Abatoir: a case study on Ikpoba river
AZOJETE, 14(2):183-188. ISSN 1596-2490; e-ISSN 2545-5818, www.azojete.com.ng

aquifer is situated. The alkalinity values of samples collected at the sampling points 1 to 4 were all
within the WHO permissible standard for the alkalinity of the waste of 30-500 mg CaCO3/L.
4. Conclusion
In this study, the effects of abattoir effluent on Ikpoba River have been investigated. The following
conclusions can be drawn from this study:
 The values of pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, TSS, temperature, chloride, BOD, COD,
turbidity, alkalinity decreased across sampling point from sampling point 1 to sampling point 4.
 The values of DO increased across sampling points from sampling point 1 to sampling point 4.
 The values of alkalinity, chloride, temperature, EC and TDS at all sampling points were within
the acceptable limits set by appropriate regulatory bodies
 The values of BOD were only within maximum permissible limit set by the regulatory bodies at
sampling points 3 and 4.
 The values of TSS and COD were only within maximum permissible limit set by the regulatory
bodies at sampling point 4.
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