Evaluation of bacterial effluents from abattoirs and slaughter slabs in Zuru Emirate, Nigeria

Abstract

Effluents from abattoirs discharged into the environment and water bodies have serious health implications. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial load from abattoir and slaughter slab effluents in Zuru emirate. A total of 50 effluent samples from each of the abattoir and slaughter slabs were collected and used. The bacteria were isolated using standard bacteriological culture and identification. The bacterial colony counts (MPN/100mL) from abattoir and slaughter slab effluents in Zuru emirates ranges from 2.9×105 to 3.5×106 in Zuru LGA, 2.67×104 to 7×106 from Fakai LGA, 1.92×104 to 2.2×107 from Sakaba LGA, and 2.75×104 to 2.8×106 from Wasagu/Danko LGA. The bacteria discharged from effluents at the abattoir and slaughter slab from Zuru emirate was above the recommended limit for effluents released into the environment. Bacterial species isolated and identified were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and S. epidermidis. The findings of this study affirmed that abattoirs and slaughter slabs in Nigeria lacked basic effluent treatment facilities, thus, effluents discharged from the abattoirs have a high bacterial load.