ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF ABBATTOIR WASTE ON GROUND WATER QUALITY IN MINNA USING WATER QUALITY INDEX

Abstract

This study is aimed at evaluating the impact of abattoir operations on quality of ground water in Tayi Village located in Minna, Niger State employing the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index. This was done by subjecting water samples from the selected wells and pond to comprehensive physicochemical analysis using APHA standard methods of analysis. The values of the samples were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) permissible limits. Respective rating using the NSFWQI was achieved by selecting the results of parameters such as Dissolved Oxygen, E-coli, pH, BOD5, Nitrite and Temperature for each sample and transferring them to a weighing curve chart which converted each selected parameter in their various standards units into a unit-less sub-index (Q-value). Weighs were assigned to the parameters based on their importance in drinking water. The NSFWQI for each sample was obtained by adding the product of Q-value with their associated weight for each parameter. The water quality rating for wells A, B, C and D62.809,59.27, 60.98 and 77.14 which fell within the medium range, hence not good for drinking.