Atugasha, Den2026-03-312026-03-312025-11Atugasha, D. (2025). Investigating the impact of Ruti Abattoir wastewater effluent on River Rwizi water quality. Kyambogo University (Unpublished work)https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12504/2810Xix, 137 P. :The rapid population growth in developing countries including Uganda has increased food demand leading to high demand of meat from abattoirs. The abattoirs generate substantial amounts of solid waste and wastewater effluent during their operations. The discharge of untreated abattoir effluents into the environment leads to water pollution due to the high organic load to the environment. This study aimed at investigating the impact of Ruti abattoir wastewater effluent on the water quality of River Rwizi. Water samples were collected at the abattoir, downstream and upstream the point where the abattoir effluent enters River Rwizi. The samples were tested for total nitrogen and phosphorus, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Heavy metals such as nickel, arsenic, copper, chromium, iron, and mercury were also tested. The abattoir wastewater to open environment and flows to River Rwizi that increases COD levels of river water. The mean COD values at the abattoir 604.9±153.9 mg/l, upstream 83.0±3.1mg/l and downstream 252.3±61.4 mg/l. The COD level was above the National Environment Management Authority recommended water quality limit of 70mg/L. The use of raw and activated carbonised rice husks for the treatment of nitrate phosphate-polluted water studied. COD removal efficiencies increased with increase in contact time 5, 15 and 20 minutes were 79, 88, and 91%, respectively. Furthermore, COD efficiencies for dosages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 g were 52, 65, 72, 74 and 91% respectively. Secondly, carbonised activated rice husks at dosage of 5 g and 20 minutes contact time in reducing COD. The study calls on the abattoir to improve on their wastewater management techniques and community to improve on existing water treatment methods used.enAbattoir EffluentRiver RwiziWater QualityThesis