Studies On The Effects Of Abattoir Effluent On Aba River In Aba North L.G.A Of Abia State

ABSTRACT

The abattoir effluent in the river involve a wide range of contamination from sources that range from stomach contents of slaughtered animals, ashes from roasted animals and blood stains on water. Distribution and abundance of Diptera, Odonata, Hirudinea, insect larvae showed strong evidence of impact from the abattoir effluent. The high count of protozoa (Entainoeba histolyca) suggest the impact of faeces in the river. There is no statistically significant difference between the protozoa found in wet and dry season. The result reveals that the use of water from Aba river has posed health risks more especially in recreational activities and in domestic use. This can be overcome by stringent approaches through health education, high level of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene.