An Evaluation of Microbiological and Physicochemical Characteristics of Abattoir Soils in the Niger Delta

Indiscriminate dumping of waste substances/chemicals into the environment has resulted in environmental pollution, which is one of the most important concerns in our world today. Soil samples from different Abattoirs in Bayelsa and Rivers States in the Niger Delta were evaluated for their microbiological and physicochemical properties. Soil samples collected from a region not known for abattoir activities served as control. Microbiological parameters of soil samples were analyzed using standard microbiological techniques while physicochemical parameters were analyzed based on APHA standard analytical methods. Results of mean values of microbial counts for total heterotrophic bacteria, total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, total coliform, total heterotrophic fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi of the soil samples ranged from 6.0×105 CFU/g to 8.0×107 CFU/g, 4.8×104 to 3.8×105, 1.2×103 to 8.0×105, 1.3×103 to 2.4×105 and from 1.0×102 to 1.6×103CFU/g, respectively. Kruskal-Wallis H test showed that there was no significant difference (P≥0.05) among bacterial counts and among fungal counts of the different abattoirs soils.Bacteria identified from the abattoir soil samples and percentages of occurrence were: Bacillus sp (20.16%), Escherichia coli (12.34%), Streptococcus sp (10.28%), Staphylococcus sp (22%), Pseudomonas sp (16.04%), Micrococcus sp (9.46%), Salmonella sp (13.16%), Enterobacter sp (2.88%) and Proteus sp (4.11%). Percentage occurrence of hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria was Bacillus sp (27%), Escherichia coli (17%), Staphylococcus sp (11.47%), Pseudomonas sp (22%), Micrococcus sp (3%), Enterobacter sp (3%) and Proteus sp (6%). Fungi identified and percentages of occurrence were; Penicillium (43.3%), Aspergillus sp., (26.8%), Fusarium sp., (11.6%) Geotrichum sp., and Mucor recorded (9.2%) each. Percentages of occurrence of hydrocarbon utilizing fungi were Aspergillus sp (35%), Penicillium sp (45%), Fusarium sp (10%) and Geotrichum sp (10%). The range of means of physicochemical parameters were: pH: 6.3-7.06, EC: 53-1573, TOM: 0.538-6001, TOC: 0.312-3939, TN: 0.091-0.341, NO3: 0.1-2.1, SO4: 0.1-2.7, PO4: 0.06-0.81, salinity: 328-1075 and Cl-:10-130. The abattoir soils are highly contaminated and could serve as reservoir for pathogens. Treatment of waste before disposal is highly recommended.