Environmental Risk Assessment of Abattoir Operations in Port-Harcourt Metropolis.

Abstract:

The operation of abattoirs in urban ecosystem such as Port-Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria, presents significant threat to public space and environmental quality. This risk assessment study applied fuzzy logic to determine operational risks across 30 sampled abattoir locations within Port- Harcourt Metropolis consisting of the core Obio-Akpor, Port-Harcourt City and its peripheral towns. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires (administered to workers and nearby residents), direct measurement/observation and geo-spatial analysis in addition to secondary sources. The key risk criteria analysed includes Aesthetics, Hygiene and Facility deficiency risk factors and the results are presented in two folds. 1. Bayesian information criterion (BIC) two-steps cluster analysis which indicates clustering patterns and risk rating of the selected risk criteria in the entire study area with cluster 1 for major risk and cluster 2 for minor risk and the results revealed, Aesthetics sum (66.5%,33.5%), Hygiene sum (76.7%,23.3%) and Facility deficiency sum (70%,30%). 2 Fuzzy aggregated final risk classification results which provided clear pattern of the risk severity of each individual abattoir location. The findings indicate significant disparities between worse condition and good condition which shows poor operational conditions within the study area. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve infrastructure and abattoir operation in the study area. This research contributes vital information to scientific community, institutions and policy makers challenged with abattoir operation impact in the third world environment or any other scientific puzzle similar to this type.