1.1 Introduction
Abattoir effluents have complex compositions that can be very harmful to the environment. The logging of abattoir effluent in the soil leads to the depletion of the available oxygen in the soil (Williams and Dimbu, 2015). Discharge of animal blood and improper disposal of animal dung lead to nutrient enrichment of the receiving system and increase the rate of toxic wastes accumulation in biological systems (Abubakar and Tukur, 2014). As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In Nigeria, like in many other developing countries, discharge of untreated wastes into the environment is a major environmental issue. Compromised water quality and poor sanitary conditions of abattoirs in the livestock sector have added in no small way to the lotic water system (Adeyemo et al., 2002). The Abattoir serves the entire town, and its location beside the stream has facilitated easy disposal of the wastes into the stream channel. Wastes from the abattoir are not treated before discharge into the river. This study therefore examines the implication of the continuous discharge of these untreated abattoir effluents on the river water quality. This is seen to be justified by the fact that the downstream residents very much depend on the water for most of their domestic and commercial activities.
In a typical Nigerian abattoir, the surrounding land is often marshy due to improper channelling of wastewater arising from the dressing of the slaughtered animals and washings at the lairage (Asibor et al., 2017). Most Nigerian abattoirs are situated close to surface water bodies in order to have access to cheap water supply needed for slaughtered animal processing and to provide a sink for the run-off from meat processing activities (Omole et al., 2008).
The abattoir industry provides domestic meat supply to over 150 million people and employment opportunities for the Nigerian teaming population (Nafaranda et al., 2005). Discharge wastes from abattoir can be valuable for crops as fertilizers but can becomes a major pollutant when the wastes are not properly managed (Asibor et al., 2017).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to optimize the Culture Condition for Proteose Production by Bacteria Isolated from Abattior Effluent.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that wastes can be practically dumped, landfilled, incinerated, composted, digested anaerobically and/or used as animal feed. In many Asian countries food waste is still dumped with other household waste in landfills or dumpsites. Unfortunately, the capacity of the landfills is mostly surpassed due to a lack of waste management planning, so Wastewater irrigation provides essential nutrients and organic matter, saving water and reducing water contamination (Murtaza et al. 2010). Besides these benefits, a number of drawbacks are associated with the use of wastewater for plant irrigation (Murtaza et al. 2010, Khalid et al. 2017).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Optimization of Culture Condition for Proteose Production by Bacteria Isolated from Abattior Effluent. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To isolate, screen, identify protease producing bacterium from abattoir wastewater samples.
- To determine the effect of physical and nutritional components on the growth and production of alkaline protease by Bacillus cereus isolated.
- To evaluate the impact of untreated abattoir wastes on the stream water quality and the point at which appreciable self-purification is attained.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the effect of physical and nutritional components on the growth and production of alkaline protease by Bacillus cereus isolated?
- To what extent does untreated abattoir wastes have impact on the stream water quality and the point at which appreciable self-purification is attained?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to academic students and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Optimization of Culture Condition for Proteose Production by Bacteria Isolated from Abattior Effluent.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
