Geospatial analysis of the impact of abattoir activities in Karu, Abuja, Nigeria

Meat is a worldwide staple food item obtained mostly from animal farms after killing and preparation in abattoirs or slaughter houses, and it has played a significant role in human ill-health and death due to the intake of improperly processed and unwholesome meat. Abattoir operations generate numerous waste and microbial organisms that pollute the environment. This poses serious threat to human health and quality of life. Most abattoirs in Nigeria are characterized by poor design, obsolete facilities and a deteriorating environment. The challenges posed by Karu abattoir activities and management of its residential neighborhood have become a source of concern. This study aims to analyze the impact of abattoir activities in Karu, Abuja, Nigeria with the specific objectives to assess the effects of Karu abattoir activities on its residential neighborhoods and to determine the level of compliance to regulations for establishing abattoirs. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Eighty (80) households within the abattoir neighborhoods were interviewed. Data obtained were analyzed using the statistical software for social sciences (SPSS). Water sample was collected and analyzed in the laboratory and air quality was also collected through the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast database and the area of interest was extracted using ArcGIS 10.8 software. The average mean value of the pollutant shows Sulfur dioxide (SO2) being the highest pollutant in the atmosphere around the study area both during dry and wet seasons with values of 2.53m/cm3 and 1.49m/cm3 respectively. Nitrogen monoxide (NO) is the lowest pollutant in the atmosphere having values of 1.68m/cm3 and 0.36m/cm3 respectively. The presence of coliform in the well water at the study area provides evidence of recent faecal contamination. More than half (53.7%) of the respondents reported that there is an inadequate water supply facility and sourced their water from the tap (64.6%) and disposed of their waste water in the nearby stream. More than two-thirds (77.6%) of the abattoir workers reported that there are adequate veterinarians and other health officers and a routine post-mortem examination is adequate in the abattoir. The study showed that the abattoir lacks infrastructure and compliance with slaughter practices and regulations.