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American Journal of Public Health Research
DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-1-1-3

The Implementation of a Tele-Homecare System with Service Oriented Architecture and HL7 Message Transmission Standard
Ching-Sung Wang

American Journal of Medical and Biological Research
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The Influence of Ethanol on Pyruvate Kinases Activity in Vivo, in Vitro, in Silico
Lelevich Sergey Vladimirovich, Khrustalev Vladislav Victorovich, Barkovsky Eugene Victorovich, Shedogubova Tatyana Aleksandrovna

American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine
DOI: 10.12691/ajmsm-1-1-1

Clinical and Histological Features in Wegener Granulomatosis
Li Cavoli Gioacchino, Passantino Rita, Bono Luisa, Tortorici Calogera, Ferrantelli Angelo, Giammarresi Carlo, Rotolo Ugo

American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
DOI: 10.12691/ajidm-1-1-2

The Curse of Lymphatic Filariasis: Would the Continual Use of Diethylcarbamazine Eliminate this Scourge in Papua New Guinea?
Anne Lanham, Lillian Mwanri

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Dear Label_Name,

Greetings! I hope you are well.

I am writing on behalf of an international publishing house, Science and Education Publishing, USA (https://www.sciepub.com).

Science and Education Publishing (SciEP) is a multidisciplinary open access publisher of Journals covering the fields of Science, Technology and Medicine. All SciEP publications are subject to high-quality peer review, editorial and production processes and are freely available online.

Welcome to the April, 2013 edition of SciEP newsletter, providing monthly summaries of articles on science & education related topics of interest to scientist and professionals. The mission of our journals is to provide an open access forum for publishing new findings on issues pertinent to scientific and academic field. We also invite you to submit original research papers, review articles, short reports, or case studies are considered for publication in our Multidisciplinary Journals.

American Journal of Public Health Research
DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-1-1-3

The Implementation of a Tele-Homecare System with Service Oriented Architecture and HL7 Message Transmission Standard
Ching-Sung Wang

American Journal of Medical and Biological Research
DOI: 10.12691/ajmbr-1-1-2

The Influence of Ethanol on Pyruvate Kinases Activity in Vivo, in Vitro, in Silico
Lelevich Sergey Vladimirovich, Khrustalev Vladislav Victorovich, Barkovsky Eugene Victorovich, Shedogubova Tatyana Aleksandrovna

American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine
DOI: 10.12691/ajmsm-1-1-1

Clinical and Histological Features in Wegener Granulomatosis
Li Cavoli Gioacchino, Passantino Rita, Bono Luisa, Tortorici Calogera, Ferrantelli Angelo, Giammarresi Carlo, Rotolo Ugo

American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
DOI: 10.12691/ajidm-1-1-2

The Curse of Lymphatic Filariasis: Would the Continual Use of Diethylcarbamazine Eliminate this Scourge in Papua New Guinea?
Anne Lanham, Lillian Mwanri

We have released issues of some journals on February 2013.
American Journal of Public Health Research
American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine
American Journal of Medical and Biological Research
American Journal of Pharmacological Sciences
American Journal of Clinical Medicine Research
American Journal of Nursing Research
American Journal of Cancer Prevention
American Journal of Medicine Studies
American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research
American Journal of Biomedical Research
American Journal of Mechanical Engineering
American Journal of Microbiological Research
Journal of Preventive Medicine
American Journal of Food and Nutrition
American Journal of Hypertension Research
American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Cancer Research and Treatment
American Journal of Zoological Research
Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology
American Journal of Microbiological Research
Biomedical Science and Engineering

We are pleased to announce that submissions are now being accepted for peer review for all the journals across all our subject areas in SciEP.

Please submit your manuscript via our online submission system:
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Air Quality Assessment in Abattoir Facility, Obinze, Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria

Ebe T. E., Udensi J. U., Ojiaku A., Ejiogu C. C., Nwachukwu J I., Egbuawa O. I., Osondu I.M., Alozie C. P., Osondu I. M., Iroegbu D. C.

Abstract: The study was done to assess the air quality of abattoir in Obinze and its environs by measuring some air quality parameters in the month of January, 2022 for five consecutive days. Measurements were taken with Aeroqual series 500 air monitors at various radial coordinates from three sampling stations and standard methods adopted for their sampling and analysis. Results showed that the mean concentrations of the gases SO₂ (0.761 ppm), NO₂ (0.207ppm), CO₂ (1313.6ppm), P.M 2.5 (139.2ug/m3) and P.M ₁₀ (153.8ug/m3) were higher than the permissible limits set by National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) except CO (0.132ppm). This is an indication of contamination of the air quality as these parameters were contributing to pollution load of the environment. It is therefore recommended that the activities at the abattoir should be constantly monitored. Furthermore, relocation of abattoir to an area far from residence, inspection of abattoir process by professionals in related fields, proper waste management systems should be made.

Keywords: abattoir, gases, pollution, contamination, anthropogenic

Received November 12, 2023; Revised December 13, 2023; Accepted December 20, 2023

Citation: Ebe T. E., Udensi J. U., Ojiaku A., Ejiogu C. C., Nwachukwu J I., Egbuawa O. I., Osondu I.M., Alozie C. P., Osondu I. M., Iroegbu D. C., Air Quality Assessment in Abattoir Facility, Obinze, Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 11 (2). 49-55. January 2023. doi:10.12691/env-11-2-3

1. Introduction

Air is said to be polluted when it is contaminated as a result of alteration of its natural composition either by natural occurrence or anthropogenic activities [1]. The contaminants such as dust, fumes gas, mist, odors, smoke or vapor could be present in the polluted atmosphere in such quantities, and for such period of time that make them injurious to human, plant or animal life or to property. Various unfriendly abattoir operations such as indifferent dumping and unhygienic discharge of abattoir waste effluent have been reported to be one of the factors responsible for the alteration of air quality of abattoir environment [2]. This pollution results in the unpleasant odor and consequentially, has unfavorable health implications on the residents especially on individuals with existing medical challenge. [3], equally revealed that gaseous pollutants around abattoir facility could exceed recommended limit, thereby making the air unhealthy for the people around the abattoir.

Abattoirs are generally known all over the world to pollute the environment either directly or indirectly from their processes, hygiene problems are not limited to slaughtering alone, the air is often polluted with thick smoke during the burning of animal hides/skin [1]. Cows, goats etc are roasted with kerosene and condemned tyres in the course of processing the meat for sales leading to the emission of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. The blood from the slaughtered animals is left flowing on the ground with offensive odor causing pollution of the atmosphere [4]; thus, becoming a threat to the health of the neighboring residents.

The impact of abattoir activities and management in residential neighbourhoods in Ogbomoso, Osun State, Nigeria [5]. Based on the analyzed data of the study, it was revealed that abattoir activities and management have direct and indirect effects on the built-up environment and health of people especially residents of the abattoir vicinity. The study also indicated negative impact of abattoir activities on air and water qualities of residents within abattoir vicinity especially abattoir where special or effective waste disposal system is lacking. The health quality of residents living in abattoir vicinity was revealed to be reduced due to effect of pollutants from abattoir activities located in their neighborhood. Environmental sanitation practices in slaughterhouses in Osogbo, Nigeria and the practices of the slaughtering of animals and disposal of waste in the city were without consideration for its polluting effect and concerns for public health [6]. There are various activities in the abattoir that constitute the emission of SO₂, NO₂, CO, CO₂ and Particulate Matter, they include; Animal Arrival and Lairage, Preslaughter Handling, Stunning and Slaughtering. Worldwide more deaths per year are linked to air pollution than to automobile accidents. Europeans die from air pollution annually, causes of deaths include aggravated asthma, emphysema, lung and heart diseases, and respiratory allergies which can arise from prolonged intake of these harmful gases through direct or indirect contact [7]. Thus, this research work hopes to assess the air quality in and around Obinze abattoir and its implication on health to the people and the surrounding environment. This research work will help the readers to understand the level of air pollution caused by the abattoir.

The study recommended, among others, that abattoir should be excluded from facilities to be located within residential neighborhood, rather it should be located and treated among industrial land use or agricultural land use; and for abattoir planning and construction, regulations controlling the movement and slaughter of live stocks, the availability of service and staff in abattoirs should be made. The study recommended efficient and effective enforcement of environmental sanitation laws on slaughterhouses operations and environmental education for the slaughterhouse operators and residents.

2. Materials and Methods

Obinze is a community in southeastern Nigeria, located near the city of Owerri, Imo State. It lies at 5.4117° North and 6.9585° to the East.

According to sources, the Abattoir has been in existence since 2001 and has served great purpose to both the locals and people from other regions. The Abattoir is a trademark for meat commercialization and consumption hence; it provides job opportunities and most importantly, food to the people.

Table 1. Air Pollutant Emissions and Concentrations for Day 1

Table 2. Air Pollutant Emissions and Concentrations for Day 3

Table 3. Air Pollutant Emissions and Concentrations for Day 5

Sampling and Field Studies

An experiment was carried out with air apparatus to identify the ambient concentrations of particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) using the Aeroqual Series 500 air quality sensor which enables accurate real-time surveying of common outdoor air pollutants, all in an ultra-portable handheld monitor. An aeroqual cartridge for each gas was attached to the monitor base and used for the detection of their concentrations. Three specific sampling locations were chosen in the abattoir for the purpose of this sampling. These three locations were tagged: Point 1, Point 2 and Point 3.

Point 1- Slaughtering Point 5°22′5″N 6°58′06″E

Point 2- Roasting Point 5°22′ 50″N 6°58′05″E

Point 3- Entrance 5°22′51″N 6°58′05″E

Figure 1. Map of The Study Area

Figure 2. Comparison of PM2.5 daily concentration with NAAQS

Figure 3. Comparison of SO₂ daily concentration with NAAQS

Figure 4. Comparison of NO₂ daily concentration with NAAQS

Spatial Variation of Air Data Analysis Against NAAQS Limits

Figure 5. Statistical graph of daily particulate matter (PM₁₀) concentration with NAAQS Limit at 150μg/m3 represented as 0.25 in the graph

Figure 6. Statistical graph of daily particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration with NAAQS Limit at 65μg/m3 represented as 0.25

Figure 7. Statistical graph of daily carbon monoxide (CO) concentration with NAAQS Limit at 3.130ppm represented as 1.5ppm on the graph

Figure 8. Statistical graph of daily Sulphur oxide (SO₂) concentration with NAAQS Limit at 0.140μg/m3 represented as 0.05ppm on the graph

Figure 9. Statistical graph of daily Nitrous oxide (NO₂) concentration with NAAQS Limit at 0.100μg/m3 represented as 0.05ppm on the graph

Figure 10. Statistical graph of daily carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration with NAAQS Limit at 1000 ppm represented as 1ppm on the graph

3. Discussion

The study examined the emission rate of some gaseous pollutants resulting from activities in the abattoir, concentrations varied in the study area. From the observation, air quality sampling of carbon monoxide (CO) is lower than the NAAQS limit at the abattoir, but the concentrations of the other gases were higher than the NAAQS standard limit. This is to say that there is a high concentration of particulate matter (PM₁₀ and 2.5), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) at the abattoir.

The results indicated that the average concentrations of 139.2μg/m³, 0.761ppm, 1313.6 ppm and 0.207ppm for PM2.5, SO₂, CO₂ and NO₂ respectively, were higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Air Quality Index showed that the ambient air quality in respect to CO was very good, moderate for PM₁₀ and was very high for PM2.5, CO₂, NO₂ and SO₂. According [3], 0.32% of deaths from lung cancer, and 0.23% from cardiopulmonary could be avoided if PM2.5 is reduced to 74μg/m3 and while about 0.14% of all-cause mortality could be avoided if PM₁₀ is maintained below 150μg/m3. All the AQI values exceeded the threshold value which was set at unity; this implied that PM2.5, NO₂, SO₂ and CO₂ are likely to cause adverse health effects in the area.

A Research by [8] revealed that the livestock farming and abattoir activities going on in studied locations have some levels of impact on air quality. The impacts include those on human health (caused by ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, other odor-causing compounds, and particulates), and contribution to global warming (due to emission of nitrous oxide from the production process) and other related activities (such as feed production and transport of finished products). Others include the presence of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi species) isolated from the study locations. Additionally, volatilized ammonia can be redeposited, which may in turn contribute to environmental issues such as acidification, eutrophication and damage to vegetation and sensitive components of the ecosystem. [9] conducted similar research and the mean concentration of PM2.5 and PM₁₀ in the report were slightly equivalent to those in this study. These constitute serious risk factors for public health [10]. The potential of particulate matter to cause health problem is a function of its size [10]. The mean concentrations of the pollutants recorded in this study were higher than the result reported by [3] but lower than the documented report of [2]. Particulate matters whose size is less than 10 μm have been reported to have potential of causing health challenge of great magnitude because particles of this size can easily find their ways not only into the lung, but also into the blood streams which can result into lung and heart problems [2]. Comparing the mean values of NO₂ from [9], also showed that limits were exceeded. This is an indication that at frequent exposure, the general public are at risk. Adverse respiratory symptoms in persons with asthma have been reported to be associated with the short-term exposure to NO₂ ranging from 30minutes to 24h [11]. Mean concentration of SO₂ in this study as compared to [9], exceeded NAAQS recommended limits of 0.03 ppm. This suggested that a prolonged release of SO₂ within the area is capable of worsening the health situation of people living with existing heart or respiratory issues [2]. it is therefore recommended the abattoir should always be cleaned as soon as any animal is slaughtered.

References

[1]   | Umunnakwe, J.E., Njoku, P.C., (2017). Assessment of the abattoir activities on air qualities of Ogho-hill, Aba and environs. J. Multidiscip. Eng. Sci. Technol. 47397–7404.
[2]   | Ubuoh, E.A., Uchendu, U.I., Kanu, C., (2017). Characterization of atmospheric gaseous components in abattoir operation site in Ogbo-hill, Abia state, Nigeria. J. Environ. Anal. Toxicol. 7, 1–4.
[3]   | Magaji, J.Y., Hassan, S.M., 2017. An assessment of air quality in and around Gwagwalada abattoir, Gwagwalada, Abuja, FCT. J. Environ. Earth Sci. 5, 87–92.
[4]   | Emeka, U. J., & Chukwunyere, N. P. (2017). Assessment Of the Abattoir Activities on Air Qualities of Ogbor Hill, Aba and Environs, 4(6), 7397–7404. National Guidelines for Environmental Audit in Nigeria
[5]   | Bello, Y. O. & Oyedemi, D. T. A. (2009). The impact of abattoir activities and management in residential neighbourhoods: A case study of Ogbomoso, Nigeria. J Soc Sci.
[6]   | Olowoporoku, O. A. (2016). Assessing environmental sanitation practices in slaughterhouses in Osogbo, Nigeria: Taking the good with the bad. Journal of Environmental Science, 1, 44 – 54.
[7]   | Lawan, M. K., Bello, M., Kwaga, J. K. P., & Raji, M. A. (2013). Evaluation of physical facilities and processing operations of major abattoirs in North-western states of Nigeria. Sokoto. Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 11(1), 56-61
[8]   | Uyo, C., Njoku, J. D., Iwuji, and M., Ihejirika, C.. (2021). Assessment of Air Quality In Livestock Farms And Abattoirs In Selected Lgas Of Imo State. Vol. 7. 54 - 68.
[9]   | Odekanle, E. L., Sonibare, O. O., Odejobi, O. J., Fakinle, B. S., & Akeredolu, F. A. (2020). Air emissions and health risk assessment around abattoir facility. Heliyon, 6(7), e04365.
[10]   | Federal Environmental Protection Agency, (1999). Federal Government Press, Abuja, Nigeria
[11]   | United States Environmental Protection Agency (US=EPA), (2018). Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Control Regulations.