Environmental Assessment of Abattoir Effluents on Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Profiles of Soil in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2026.v3i4.281Keywords:
Heavy metal, Abattoir effluents, Environmental pollutionAbstract
This study was carried out to assess the physicochemical and heavy metals profiles from abattoir effluents impacted soils in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. This study provides baseline data on soil contamination with abattoir effluents in Abraka, contributes to environmental monitoring and pollution control efforts, supports public health protection by identifying potential exposure risks and It informs policymakers and environmental agencies on the need for improved waste management. The bulk soil sample was collected from two different abattoir sites in Abraka, using soil auger. The samples were air dried for 5days, crushed, sieved using 2mm mesh and stored in a container before analysis. An Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS) was used to determine the concentration of the heavy metals, while the physicochemical profile was determined following standard methods. The results established that soil physicochemical parameters were influenced by abattoir effluents. From the results Fe (0.45 mg/kg), Co (0.30 mg/kg), Pb (0.05 mg/kg), Zn (0.04 mg/kg), Cr (0.03 mg/kg), Ni (0.02 mg/kg), Cd (0.02 mg/kg) and As (0.01mg/kg), all the values were below the WHO permissible limits except Iron (Fe) which shows highest concentration. Indicating that they are in safe range. The study also maintained that the continuous discharge of untreated abattoir wastes into the environment may result in the alteration of soil physical and chemical parameters as well as increase of these metals which may cause several health risks, ecological risks and reduce crop yield and productions. The current study has great implications in environmental degradation and primary treatment unit
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