ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF ABATTOIR EFFLUENT ON THE QUALITY OF WATER BODY IN ODO-ERAN OKITIPUPA, NIGERIA

The discharge of untreated abattoir effluent into natural water bodies is a major source of environmental pollution in Nigeria, posing significant risks to water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and public health. This study assessed the impact of effluent from the Odo-Eran abattoir in Okitipupa, Nigeria, on the physicochemical, microbial, and heavy metal characteristics of the receiving water body. Water samples were collected upstream, at the discharge point, and downstream of the abattoir, and were analyzed for parameters including pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, turbidity, nutrients, and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe, As, and Hg). Results revealed significant deterioration in water quality downstream of the abattoir discharge point, with elevated levels of organic load and heavy metals surpassing WHO and NESREA permissible limits in some cases. Notably, high BOD, COD, and microbial counts indicated substantial organic and pathogenic contamination, while heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, and Cr exceeded safe thresholds, raising concerns of bioaccumulation and chronic health risks (Sangodoyin & Agbawhe, 1992; Olaoye & Onilude, 2013; Olatunji & Osibanjo, 2023). The findings highlight the urgent need for effective effluent treatment, regulatory enforcement, and public awareness to mitigate pollution and safeguard environmental and human health. This study contributes localized data to the under-researched area of Odo-Eran and provides evidence to guide policymakers, engineers, and environmental stakeholders in developing context-appropriate wastewater management strategies (Mudzielwana & Mpenyana-Monyatsi, 2022; Emeka & Okoye, 2022).