Impact of effluent from Bodija abattoir on the physico-chemical parameters of Oshunkaye stream in Ibadan City, Nigeria

Abstract

The problem of getting quality drinking water is increasing as untreated effluents are discharged into surface water bodies. The impact of effluent from Bodija abattoir, the biggest abattoir in Ibadan, western Nigeria on the physico-chemical parameters of Oshunkaye stream was investigated. The qualities of effluent and stream water (before and after mixing with effluent) were studied using the basic water quality parameters. The ranges of the physico-chemical parameters studied were as follows: pH 6.92 – 8.18, temperature 31 – 34oC, total solids 7726 – 47 630 mg/l, total suspended solids 1498 – 6803 mg/l, chemical oxygen demand 947 - 2566 mg/l, oil and grease 2500 –12590 mg/l, nitrate 62 – 159 mg/l, phosphate 142 - 180 mg/l, chloride 1052 – 1727 mg/l, lead 0.08 – 0.2 mg/l, nickel 0.18 – 0.49 mg/l, copper not detected – 0.14 mg/l, zinc 0.67 – 6.08 mg/l and cadmium (not detected). Using Prati’s et al classification of surface water quality, Oshunkaye stream fell in the class of grossly polluted water after mixing with effluent from the abattoir. While before mixing, it fell in class of slightly polluted. Hence the abattoir effluent needs to be treated before discharge into the receiving stream to reduce health hazard. Key words: Bodija, Oshunkaye, abattoir, effluent, physico-chemical parameters, heavy metals.