Evaluation of the Chemical Investigation into Surface Water Contamination (Case Study of Bangaie Abattoir River, Bida)

Abstract

Surface water contamination from abattoir effluents poses significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly in developing countries where wastewater treatment facilities are inadequate. This study evaluated the chemical quality of surface water along the Bangaie River adjacent to the Bangaie Abattoir in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria. Five surface water samples were collected at designated locations along the river and analysed for selected physicochemical parameters, including total hardness, pH, chlorine, acidity, and alkalinity, using standard analytical methods. The results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values for drinking water quality. Total hardness ranged from 60 to 140 mg/L, with two sampling points recording values above the desirable guideline value of 100 mg/L. The pH ranged from 6.5 to 7.5, remaining within the WHO recommended range of 6.5–8.5. Chlorine concentrations varied between 24.81 and 50.63 mg/L, while acidity ranged from 1.88 to 3.72 mg/L and alkalinity from 50 to 100 mg/L, all of which were below the WHO maximum permissible limits where applicable. The elevated hardness observed at selected locations indicates localized contamination arising from the discharge of untreated abattoir wastes, although the river maintained near-neutral pH and moderate buffering capacity. The findings suggest that continuous disposal of untreated slaughterhouse effluents is gradually degrading the chemical quality of the river and may lead to long-term ecological deterioration and increased public health risks if not properly managed. The study recommends installing efficient wastewater treatment facilities, regularly monitoring surface water quality, strictly enforcing environmental regulations governing abattoir operations, and conducting comprehensive future investigations that incorporate heavy metals, nutrients, microbiological indicators, and seasonal variations to support sustainable management of the Bangaie River.