Comparative assessment of potential trace elements in soil: a case study of Abattoir Gariki, Imo State, Nigeria

Slaughterhouse operations, sometimes referred to as abattoir activities, may affect soil media in a number of ways, mainly through the emission of different pollutants and the disposal of waste. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of possible trace elements in the soil from the Gariki slaughterhouse (abattoir) in Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were taken at depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm from three distinct locations using a soil auger. Soil samples were taken 200 meters distant from the abattoir as control point. The investigation included nine (9) samples that were evaluated for probable trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper, and zinc) using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (PG equipment and AA 500). The generated data was statistically analyzed using Genstat Statistical Package version 18, and means were separated using least significant difference (LSD). There were lower concentrations of these potential trace elements in control point soils than other sampling points within the abattoir. Across the sampling point, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd and As as 0.90 mg/g, 0.61 mg/g, 0.21 mg/g, 0.11 mg/g and 0.01 mg/g varied respectively. Mean concentrations of Pb (7.62 mg/g), Cd (4.21 mg/g), Cu (2.68 mg/g), Zn (1.87 mg/g) and As (1.08 mg/g) were higher in soils of abattoir compared to the control point. Across the different sampling points, both Pb (12.7 mg/g) and Cd (9.48 mg/g) were higher in Animal stand and the dump site. Activities within Gariki Abattoir impacts negatively on the surrounding arable soils; therefore, pollution control procedures which are sustainable should be implemented for abattoirs operations.