The Impact of Abattoir Effluent Discharge on Groundwater Quality in Potiskum Residential Area, Yobe State Nigeria

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking and domestic water for many households in semi-urban communities in northern Nigeria. However, the siting of abattoirs within residential areas, combined with poor waste management practices, poses a serious threat to groundwater quality and public health. This study evaluated the impact of abattoir effluent discharge on groundwater quality in Potiskum Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria. Three groundwater samples (A, B and C) were collected from wells and boreholes located 24.6 m, 47.8 m and 61.5 m, respectively, from the abattoir effluent discharge point. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed using standard methods recommended by the American Public Health Association and the World Health Organization. Results showed that most physicochemical parameters, including turbidity (0.1–1.7 NTU), total dissolved solids (1.31mg/L) and chemical oxygen demand (34.0–34.7mg/L), were within WHO permissible limits. However, pH values in samples B and C were slightly acidic, while biochemical oxygen demand (10.8–23.7mg/L) indicated significant organic pollution. Microbiological analysis revealed severe contamination, with coliform counts of 1600, 34 and 1100 MPN/100mL for samples A, B and C, respectively. Pathogenic bacteria including iKlebsiella/ii /iipneumoniae/i, iShigella/i spp. and iStaphylococcus aureus/i were detected in all samples. The findings demonstrate that abattoir effluent has significantly compromised groundwater quality in the study area, rendering it unsafe for domestic use without treatment. Improved effluent management, routine groundwater monitoring and enforcement of sanitation regulations are therefore essential to protect public health and ensure sustainable water resources.