Heavy Metals Levels and Physicochemical Characteristics of Abattoir Effluent from Bangaie and New Market Regions in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Solidwastes and waste water resulting from abattoir operations are referred to as abattoir effluent. The number of animals slaughtered determines the amount of effluent generated. The objective of this paper was to determine the heavy metals levels and physicochemical properties of abattoir effluent located at Bangaie and New market areas of Bida, Niger state, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results obtained from both abattoirs indicated high levels of pollutants especially heavy metals such as Cadmium (0.58 mg/l), Lead (0.42 mg/l), Copper (1.36 mg/l), Chromium (0.25 mg/l) and Zinc (37.30 mg/l) respectively. The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) was 87.30mg/l and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 844 mg/l levels were high above the acceptable limits indicating a high level of pollution. The presence of these pollutants especially the heavy metals poses a significant threat to public health of residents of Bida town who patronize these abattoirs and also the inhabitants predominantly farmers who live close to the abattoir as these effluents are channeled towards the nearby aquatic environment which is a source of water for irrigation and domestic activities. Moreso, there is a need for stricter regulations and enforcement of laws on proper waste management to safeguard the public from the outbreak of epidemics.