Studies on Abattoir Waste Generation and Management at Sokoto Modern Abattoir, Nigeria

Abstract

Abattoir activities generate substantial quantities of organic solid and liquid wastes, and inadequate management of these wastes can create environmental and occupational health risks. This study assessed waste generation and management practices at Sokoto Modern Abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design involving structured questionnaires, direct field observations and waste-generation measurements was adopted. A total of 110 questionnaires were administered to abattoir workers, while slaughter and waste-generation records were obtained during a seven-day observation period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Traders constituted the largest occupational group among respondents (30.0%), followed by butchers (24.5%), while all respondents were male. Rumen content was the most frequently reported waste type, followed by blood, wastewater and intestinal contents. Blood was predominantly collected by buyers for blood-meal production, whereas rumen content was mainly disposed of in the central waste pile. Intestinal contents were largely discharged into gutters, while wastewater was mainly discharged through open drains. During the observation period, 970 animals were slaughtered. Estimated monthly generation included 504,720 L of wash water, 25,313.28 L of blood, 26,259.44 L of intestinal fluid and 66,430.24 kg of rumen content. The findings indicate considerable waste-generation pressure and inadequate management of major organic waste streams. Improved waste segregation, collection, treatment and resource-recovery systems are recommended for sustainable abattoir management.