Physicochemical And Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Pahs) Assessment Of Catfish Gotten From Different Waters Polluted By Abattoir Effluents:- Elechi, Jennifer C.

ABSTRACT The qualities of surface water bodies are being negatively impacted as untreated ' effluents are discharged into them through various sources. The effect of abattoir effluent on the physicochemical parameters of Trans-Amadi water, Mgbuosimi water and Iwofe water all in Nigeria. The physico-chemical qualities of water along the upstream and downstream sections of the various waters were determined. The results of the physicochemical parameters investigated were as follows: The pH range ofthe three water samples is pH=4.51 - 4.65, BODS (mg/I) range= 2-2.36 (mg/1). PAH range for the three water samples is =0.01 (mg/l).The mean values for conductivity compared to the control group is statistically insignificant but there is a significant difference in the mean values of pH and conductivity. There is no significant difference in the mean values of turbidity in Trans- Amadi River water and Mgbuosimi River compared to the control group test and also, there is no signicant difference in the mean values of turbidity and PAH. The mean values in PAH are statistically significant at P=0.05 (P<0.05) The • Mean±SE values of PAH components in the various water samples were also tabulated in the result. Compared to the limits set by National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Nigeria, the mean values of physicochemical parameters were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the recommended limits set for effluent discharged into surface water bodies, except for PAH that fell within the limits and dissolved oxygen that was lower than the limits. The need for treatment and monitoring of abattoir effluent before being discharged into water bodies and stringent enforcement oflaws are recommended.