HEAVY METAL LOAD OF CREEKS RECEIVING ABATTOIR EFFLUENT IN PORTHARCOURT METROPOLIS

Abstract

The study investigated the heavy metal load in creek receiving abattoir effluent in Port Harcourt metropolis using the Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD). It was carried out over a six-month period, covering both wet and dry seasons. Surface water samples from five slaughter effluent receiving creeks (Mile 3, Rumuokoro, Oil Mill, Ogbunabali, and Trans Amadi) and that of Choba which served as control were collected and subjected to analysis for heavy metal content following Standard analytical protocols. The results (±SE) obtained are: Calcium (0.821±0,429 – 3.696±2.426), Zinc (0.914±0.518 – 2.802±0.790), Manganese (0.076±0.042 –0.823±0.957), Cadmium (0.281±0.227 – 0.649±0.846), Iron (0.715±0.417 – 1.996±1.258), Lead (0.447±0.203 – 1.675±0.444). The two-way ANOVA result revealed that Calcium, Zinc and lead had statistically significant variation across sampling stations or locations.The operations of the abattoirs in this investigation showed that their activities have by and large contributed significantly to the lowering of the water quality of the receiving water bodies as such the activities of these abattoirs need to be checked by the relevant regulatory bodies or agencies of government.