Water pollution from abattoir effluents may create substantial environmental and public health hazards. Available literature is scanty on the quality of groundwater located near abattoirs in tropical developing countries like Nigeria. This study, therefore, accessed the impact of abattoir activities on the quality of groundwater in Omu-Aran Nigeria. A total of eighteen water samples were taken from five privately own wells and one control well located at varying distances and elevations to the abattoir. The physicochemical characteristics of the water were determined using the standard methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The mean values of parameters in the water samples collected from the studied wells ranged from 5.80 ± 0.20 to 7.23 ± 0.55 mg/L, 12.0 ± 1.0 to 26.0 ± 2.0 mg/L, 0.06 ± 0.02 to 0.16 ± 0.02 mg/L and 208.0 ± 24.25 to 254.67 ± 12.22 cfu/mL for dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, lead and total coliforms, respectively. There was a significant difference in the quality of water from the studied and control wells in the parameters except that of total coliform. The quality of the groundwater improved with increasing distance from the abattoir. Findings revealed that abattoirs have the potential to impact the quality of groundwater. Therefore, careful consideration is required when choosing a location for siting new abattoirs. For existing ones, particularly those close to residential areas, effective pollution control measures should be put in place to protect groundwater.

Nitrate has been identified as a major source of water pollution and eutrophication. The use of modified chicken feathers (MCFs) as an adsorbent has not been fully explored. The study therefore assessed the use of MCFs for the adsorption of nitrate. Fresh chicken feathers, obtained from a commercial poultry farm, were first hydrolyzed with sodium hydroxide and activated with HCl $\left(aq\right)$ to give modified chicken feathers, MCFs. Experimental constraints were varied in a series of batch tests including concentration, pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. FTIR was used to monitor the adsorption processes (before and after) of the polluted water. The outcome showed increase in specific surface area and the favorable formation of adsorption sites of MCFs. For the understanding of adsorption mechanism, experimental data were assessed by Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Sips isotherm equations. Pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models were used to evaluate time characteristics of adsorption. The optimum parameters for adsorption are found to be initial ion concentration, initial pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time 300 mg/L, 8, 10 and 480 min, respectively. This study also reveals adsorption fit the chosen isotherm models in the following order: (Sips >Langmuir > Freundlich > Temkin). Sips isotherm having the best fit infers adsorption took place on heterogeneous surface. Pseudo-second-order is suited for explaining nitrate removal based on statistical R² coefficient. The use of MCFs as an eco-friendly, cost-effective and renewable bio-sorbent for wastewater treatment is very possible due to its adsorption ability in the removal of nitrate.

Waste effluents from abattoirs have been documented to have harmful effects on the soil media. There is little information about the level of contamination by abattoir effluents on the soil media in Omu-Aran. This study therefore assessed soil samples for possible contamination of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals from different points and some meters away from the mini abattoir in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. Soil samples which are 18 in number were collected from the soil around wells which are owned by individuals and a well designated as Control situated at distances which vary and different elevations to the abattoir. The physicochemical parameters of the soil samples were obtained by applying the standard methods. The analysis of data was achieved using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The mean values of parameters in the soil samples collected around the studied wells ranged from 31.00±2.00–110.03±8.72 mg/L and 7.21±0.02–7.83±0.02 for electrical conductivity and pH respectively. Chloride, nitrate and phosphate had values of 6.37±0.13–9.13±0.21 mg/L, 3.67±0.07–4.50±0.31 mg/L and 3.86±0.07–5.41±0.30 mg/L respectively. However, average values for heavy metals (Ni, Cr and Pb) though slightly higher than the control site, were above permissible limits. Activities within Omu-Aran Abattoir impacts negatively on the surrounding arable soils; therefore, pollution control procedures which are sustainable should be implemented for abattoirs situated in residential areas.