ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examined the processes of abattoir operations in Amansea and Ugwuoba and to know their related health hazards to the public. The processes involved in abattoir in both Amansea and Ugwuoba were examined . A survey on the waste generated and methods of disposal in the two abattoirs were also looked at to know the effects these wastes may have on the environment, if not properly managed. Structured questionnaires were designed and used to interview the abattoir operators and managers. Primary data were obtained from the questionnaire and subjective responses of the population; the researcher observation and from processes in abattoir operations, type of wastes generated and their mode of disposal. Information about how the respondents’ perception of the abattoir condition and the methods of meat processing was acquired. Laboratory Analyses were carried out on the abattoir wastes. Sampling was done forth-nightly and sampled analyzed to determine the type and intensity of contamination. All the values obtained from different parameters were compared with the standards established by FEPA and WHO in Nigeria in order to obtain deviations and establish impact of abattoir wastes on human health and ecological system. The result obtained from the analysis show that the Amansea and Ugwuoba abattoirs were highly polluted resulting in the present meat contamination going on and endangering the health of the public and the ecosystem. The present government policy which led to this ugly situation and the recommended remedial policy measures were highlighted. Measures to eliminate or eradicate the hazards of waste generated in the abattoir at Amanseas and Ugwuoba during slaughtering operations were recommended.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
An abattoir is a facility, which has to do with the preparation and handling of meat from slaughtering to delivery for consumption. It requires handling in a most hygienic manner to avoid being exposed to contamination. The environment where the abattoir is located must be clean otherwise serious health hazards will occur to human beings that eat the meat.
In an economic sense, an abattoir is a consumer oriented venture. The processes in its operation in Nigeria have so many environmental implications associated with it. These implications are the facilities required for a better abattoir management. The location of the abattoir is as important as the factory itself, since this determines its survival and the marketing facilities.
Meat is important to human beings as it is major source of protein for growth. It is therefore important that any abattoir operation should be properly handled bearing in mind the sanitary implication to humans.
It is sad to note that most of these facilities in Nigeria are poorly managed, located and designed. The study of the environmental health hazards associated with Amansea and Ugwuoba abattoirs stem from the following:
Amansea Abattoir came into existence in 1975. It was located close to iyietu River. The river is famous for the fish it supplies to the communities through which it flows. The river stretches over six hundred kilometers from Obibia/Agu Awka/Amansea and emptied
itself into the Mamu River. It irrigates several tracts of agricultural land along its long profil. The inhabitants depends on the agricultural land and river of their existence .
Prior to the location of the abattoir in 1975 and in a few years of its operation, the people started to notice gradual reduction in fish production and agricultural output form the Iyietu Riverine Areas. The river which used to be clean and colourless/changed to brown-green colour. From Ugwuoba, where the researcher made an investigation about the activities of abattoir , it was gathered that it was established in 1978 along Iyiocha stream running from
Ogba valley down to Mamu River.
The inhabitants along the river are affected by the river colouration, reduction in fish production and agricultural output.
1.2. THE STUDY AREA
The condition of the abattoir environment in Amansea and
Ugwuoba show that:
1. Paunch manure accumulates and discharges into the stream and land, thereby contaminating the stream with its offensive and discomforting odour.
2. The uncontrolled cattle dungs in the lairages render it
stinking and filthy.
3. The waste materials from blood offal and fatty particles discharged after slaughtering provide breeding grounds for flies and other vectors thereby degrading the environment.
4. The smoke discharge into the clean air during roasting of the slaughtered goats and cow is likely to be the cause of the poor visibility now experienced in the area.
From observation and information, it has been a general consensus
in these area that abattoir activities and their resultant waste have adversely affected the water quality of the stream, and the surrounding land environment and had affected the physical and chemical ecosystem. The Ogba and Iyietu streams which used to serve the inhabitants as sources of water for domestic uses and drinking , are no more safe for these purposes.
The following research questions will be addressed.
a. What are the processes involved in abattoir operation?
b. What types of wastes are generated during the process?
c. How are these wastes disposed off?
d. What effects do these wastes have on the stream, vegetation, air, land and the inhabitations of the area?
e. How do these problems of environmental degradation influence the pattern of life of the people?
It is intended to identify and examine critically the impact of waste generated in the abattoir during slaughtering, roasting, skinning, evisceration and washing of meat.
1.3. AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The aim of this study is to investigate the environmental effect of
Amansea and Ugwuoba abattoir on the immediate environment.
The objective therefore being
1. To find out the process involved in abattoir operations
2. To compare the operations in Amansea and Ugwuoba abattoir
3. To investigate and highlight the waste generated during the processes.
4. To investigate the method of disposal of waste generated.
5. To examine the effects of wastes on human health, plants, animals and the entire environment.
6. Suggest ways of improving the disposal of wastes.
1.4. THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This work investigates the following environmental implication
of the abattoir in terms of the impact on:
i. The stream passing through the abattoir ii. The land and its surroundings where the abattoir operations are carried out.
iii. The lirage where animals meant for slaughter are kept
iv. How wastes are generated and disposed of as well as possible remedies of environmental polluttants.
1.5. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this study is to highlight the problems associated with meat processing and how they can affect human and the ecosystem. The study will assist policy makers to seek better methods of meat processing and management of wastes . By so doing associated health and environmental pollution problems would be
controlled.