Bacteriological and Physicochemical Properties of Abattoir Wastewater and Receiving Soils in Agbor, Nigeria
Oghonim Pius Akaraka Nkem1, 2, Onuorah Samuel Chinedu1, Idu P. N.2., Abana C.C.2, Onyekpeze C.E.1, Osunde Glory1 and Ottah Faith1.
1Department of Biological (Microbiology) Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria.
2Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Corresponding author’s e-mail/Tel: nkem.oghonim@unidel.edu.ng, +2348033531679
Corresponding author’s ORCID: 0009-0004-9829-2685
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to determine the degree of contamination, identify microbial and physicochemical composition and attendant impacts on soil quality brought on by abattoir wastewater exposure. Polluted and unpolluted soil samples were examined, and wastewater samples were collected from three diifferent abattoir locations. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total hydrocarbons, nitrate, phosphate, ammonium, heavy metals (iron, cadmium, and lead), and electrical conductivity, were measured using standard laboratory procedures. Total viable counts, coliforms, and antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates were all part of the bacteriological evaluation. The findings showed that the levels of heavy metals, nutrients, and organic pollutants in wastewater samples were beyond permissible limits, compared to control soil samples. Polluted soils showed elevated pH, nutrient enrichment, and microbial composition. Numerous pathogenic bacteria that were isolated showed multidrug resistance to widely used antibiotics, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., and Pseudomonas spp. This study revealed that use and discharge of untreated abattoir wastewater poses health risks. To minimize pollution and guarantee sustainable agriculture and environment, proper wastewater treatment, regulation, and public awareness are advised.
Keywords: Abattoir wastewater, Soil contamination, Polluted soil and unpolluted soil, Physicochemical parameters and Microbial quality
CITE AS Oghonim Pius Akaraka Nkem, Onuorah Samuel Chinedu,: Idu P. N., Abana C.C., Onyekpeze C.E., Osunde Glory and Ottah Faith (2025). Bacteriological and Physicochemical Properties of Abattoir Wastewater and Receiving Soils in Agbor, Nigeria. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES,6(3):10-29 https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJBAS/2025/6.3.10290000