Assessment of Sanitation practices and the level of VOCs in cowhide in some Abattoirs in Delta state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the sanitation practices, and levels of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) in roasted cowhide in some abattoirs in relation to established
health standards. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving a
demographic analysis of the workforce, surveys on sanitation practices, alongside
laboratory testing for VOCs in roasted cowhide. A comprehensive demographic
analysis revealed a predominance of older, married males, with 78% at Agbarho
and 73% at Effurun Market being aged 46 years and above, and a high level of
educational attainment, as 86% of respondents at Agbarho and 90% at Effurun
had completed secondary school. Both abattoirs demonstrated strong adherence
to cleaning and disinfection practices, with 100% compliance for daily cleaning
and the use of VOC-free cleaning agents, although Effurun exhibited significant
deficiencies in inventory management for cleaning supplies, achieving only 22%
compliance in the schedule for replacing cleaning supplies. Notably, both locations
displayed inadequate compliance in ventilation system maintenance and air
quality control measures, with only 10% adherence to ventilation inspection and
waste disposal evaluation reported at both abattoirs. The analysis of VOC levels
in roasted cowhide from Effurun were alarmingly high, with benzene detected at
0.0237 mg/kg (more than twice the WHO limit of 0.01 mg/kg), while Agbarho
showed no detectable levels of benzene. Additionally, compounds like 1,2-dibromo-
3-chloropropane were found in concentrations of 0.1145 mg/kg in Effurun and
0.5509 mg/kg in Agbarho, both exceeding EPA limits. Overall, the findings
emphasize the urgent need for enhanced regulatory compliance and improved
sanitation practices in both abattoirs to safeguard public health.