Environmental Assessment of Solid Waste Management in Nigeria: A case study of IkereEkiti, Ekiti state.

Abstract

Following apparent increase in population and with a corresponding increase in solid waste generation in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State of Nigeria, this study was initiated to assess the level of environmental pollution and potential impact of wastes. Health risk assessment was determined by a survey of existing facilities for solid waste management. Microbiological and physicochemical analyses of decomposing waste, soil, and well water were carried out using standard procedures. Prevalent bacteria besides fungi isolated from solid waste, soil, and well water were Staphylococcus 36(25.85%), Escherichia 49 (19.61%), Pseudomonas 40 (34.11%) and each of Shigella/Salmonella 32 (21.82%), respectively. Solid waste followed by soil, had the highest count at 5% level of probability. These findings, coupled with the high aerial bacterial counts, indicate a high risk of microbial infection from the waste dump. There is also a high risk of diseases and potential destruction of biodiversity from toxic chemicals from the waste. All the physicochemical attributes determined were within the consent limits except the heavy metal levels in leachate. In view of the economy and high technology involved, it is recommended that both governments and private sectors should review the present waste management practice in relation to traditional methods.