Waste Disposal Methods Research Articles

IJCM_158A: Usage and disposal of plastic waste among general population in urban slums of Field practice area, Gandhi medical college, Telangana.

Background: Plastics, owing to their ease of use and affordability, have taken over every aspect of our modern world. It has become an essential aspect of our everyday lives, permeating every sector from food packaging to toys and electronics, to the degree that it is unimaginable to picture a world without it. Plastic takes around 15 to 1000 years to biodegrade. The consumption of plastic by individuals and the ineffective reuse or recycling of it has detrimental effects on the ecosysystem. Overusing plastic and neglecting disposal solutions for plastic over a long time led not only India but many other nations to adopt laws to limit plastic because of its increasing environmental damage. Objectives: 1. To determine the utilization and disposal of plastic waste among general population in urban slums. 2. To study association between sociodemographic factors and plastic usage and disposal. Methodology: Study Design: A cross sectional analytical study Study Population: General population residing in urban slum Sampling Technique: Simple random sampling Sample Size:216 (p= 50%, l= 7, NR=10%) Study Tools: Self-designed, semi structured, pilot-tested questionnaire will be used for the data collection which will be entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS statistical software version 20. Results: Usage of plastic was seen in all the study participants and more than 96% of them were reusing the plastics more than once. Most common method was disposing plastic in municipal dust bins (60.2%) followed by open dumping (20.9%), whereas 16.4% were reusing them for other purposes. Level of education and religion has no association with proper disposal of plastic waste. Present study observed that there was a significantly high percentage (96.1%) of three generation families were following proper plastic waste disposal methods followed by nuclear and Joint families with 56.9% and 48.8% respectively. with P≤0.05. Conclusion: Most common method was disposing plastic in municipal dust bins followed by open dumping. Level of education and religion has no association with proper disposal of plastic waste.

Urban Sanitation in al-Andalus: The Case of Qurṭuba (Tenth to Thirteenth Century)

ABSTRACT This article presents a comprehensive examination of sanitation practices in Islamic Cordoba and al-Andalus; it highlights the importance of hygiene at both the domestic and the community level. The focus is on waste disposal methods, particularly the use of cesspits and the implementation of sewer systems. The article explores sanitation practices in intramural areas, where a sanitary network was constructed, as well as in extramural areas, where cesspits were used, and sometimes older hydraulic structures were repurposed for waste management. The role of professional cleaners in these cities is also investigated, along with the mechanisms used to preserve water quality and prevent contamination of underground water sources.

A Circular Economy Approach to Convert Waste Dairy Scum Oil into Biodiesel for the Development of Sustainable Environment

The present study is an effort to examine a technique for evaluating the expenses associated with the production of biodiesel from waste dairy scum oil in Pakistan, to create an economic assessment of this option. A survey was conducted on ten dairies in Gujrat to encourage them participation in the biodiesel supply chain. The survey aimed to collect data on waste dairy scum creation, disposal methods and quantity, as well as purchase cost. The waste dairy scum oil was extracted by solvent extraction method. Acetone solvent has been used to extract the waste dairy scum oil. A two-step acid treatment was done to reduce the FFA value of WDSO from 4.6 to 0.98 mg KOH/g. The independent variables of the transesterification process parameters including catalyst concentration, methanol to oil ratio, temperature, speed, and reaction time were kept 0.25 w/w, 8.50:1, 57.50℃, 600 rpm, and 1h respectively. The maximum biodiesel yield at these operating parameters was observed 93%. The economic feasibility of the conversion of WDSO into biodiesel was assessed using the information obtained from the surveys conducted by the different dairy’s owners. Approximately 70% of diaries produced scum and wanted to convert this waste dairy scum into biodiesel. The net biodiesel production cost was found to be 171 rupees. The logistic cost of biodiesel produced from the WDSO was found to be 22 rupees. The overall cost of 1L biodiesel would be 193 rupees. A two-way sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the profit of the conversion of the WDSO into biodiesel. The environmental analysis revealed that the emissions like CO, HC, and NOx significantly reduced during the combustion of biodiesel as compared to conventional diesel.

Perceived Environmental Health Effects of Clinical Waste Disposal in Ahoada Local Government Area of Rivers State Nigeria

The study examined the perceived health effects of clinical waste disposal in Adoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria on people. Purposive and random sampling techniques were employed for the collection of the data set comprising a sample size of 184 respondents selected from health/medical personnel, cleaners in health facilities, waste handlers, nurses, midwives, and doctors through structured questionnaires including basic statistical techniques using a criterion of 2.50 on the 4-point Likert scale. The result of the various analyses conducted revealed that the major types of waste generated from hospitals and medical facilities are needles, syringes scalpels, blades, and lancets, including placentas and other human tissues as well as papers, plastics, and glasses. The analysis from the returned questionnaires further indicates that the main methods of clinical waste disposal and treatment of used medical instruments/tools (autoclaving) include open burning of clinical wastes such as paper, plastic, cans, etc. The implications of the observed poor and inappropriate disposal of clinical waste in the study area include a high risk of infection among health/medical personnel and the spread of communicable diseases in the neighborhood. Given the depth of the analysis and the results generated, the study recommends the deployment of more qualified medical and para-medical personnel to the local government health facilities and the provision of modern equipment to tackle the rising cases of infectious diseases and community health associated with improper clinical waste disposal in the study area.

Development of Louvered Noise Barrier with Changeable Sound Insulation from Waste Tire Rubber and Investigation of Acoustic Properties

In line with circular economy principles, the recycling and reuse of tire rubber waste are considered highly advanced and environmentally friendly waste disposal methods. Through the repurposing of tire rubber waste, the goal is to minimize environmental impact while creating a louvered noise barrier with sound attenuation capabilities. The acoustic properties of the structure made of used tire rubber granulate are investigated in this research. Firstly, nine rubber granulate plates of different fractions, thickness, and density were produced. Two plates with the best results were selected after an impedance tube analysis of their sound absorption (α) and sound transmission loss (DTL). These plates were used as a filler in the structure of the louvers. The efficiency of the structure and its dependence on the tilting angle of the louvers and the number of plates were investigated in a semi-anechoic sound-absorbing chamber. The maximum sound level reduction observed was 17.3 dB (in the 8000 Hz frequency band), and the maximum equivalent sound level loss (LAeq) was 7.3 dBA.

Laws Relating to Mountaineering in India: Scope and Prospect

Mountaineering has been one of those adventure sports which has gained popularity with the advent of 20th Century in the entire world and in India too. But with the growing popularity comes the great challenges to regulate mountaineering within and outside the country. It is a sport where nature has the final call at every stage. Thus, human endeavor to conquer mountains is a myth, rather it can be said that the mountains allow humans to climb it. Every year a lot of climbers give up their lives while climbing high altitude mountains. Obvious reasons are Extreme weather conditions, High Altitude accidents like avalanches and snowstorms but some artificially created causes include non-trained climbers and huge number of permit issue per season which leads to traffic jams at high altitudes. Also, every year the sport of mountaineering generates huge waste in the higher altitudes because of which the mountains are polluted to a great extent. This directly impacts the source of water to the villages which are dependent on snow fed rivers. Though the agencies involved in conducting mountaineering have certain policies of bringing the accumulated waste down from the higher altitudes but no proper method of waste disposal is followed by them especially in cases of human bio waste generated at higher altitudes. Therefore, it is very much necessary that the sport of mountaineering be regulated with strict positive laws that can be enacted for better regulation of the Adventure sport within the country so that mountaineering should become a matter of specialization rather than just a hobby. The object of this paper is to point out the problems and ensure possible safety measures in mountaineering and sustainability of environment at the same time.

Major Constrains to Choice of Waste Management Strategies among the Poor and Non-Poor Households in South-west Nigeria

The study examined the factors influencing Households' choice of waste management strategies in Lagos State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. In the first stage, two states (Lagos state and Ogun state) were purposefully selected based on their well-organized waste management systems, relatively advanced waste management arrangements, and close proximity. In the second stage, three LGAs were purposely selected from the Lagos state, while three LGAs were selected in Ogun state, considering well-organized waste management systems. In the third stage, a stratified sampling technique was used to select four communities from each LGA into two different strata: high-income and low-income. In the fourth stage, fifteen respondents were selected using a systematic sampling technique. In all, 360 respondents were used for the study. Primary and secondary data collected from 360 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multi-dimensional poverty index, multinomial logit, and regression model. The average age of the household head was 47 years, which implies that the respondents were mostly middle-aged people who were still within their economically active age group. This is expected to positively influence the respondents' decision-making as they would be making sound decisions regarding waste management since they are likely to be more exposed to different health-related information. The income distribution revealed that the household head earned an average income of N109, 211.00. It was also revealed that the respondents earned a minimum of N10, 000.00 and a maximum of N3, 500,000.00. The result revealed that the majority of the household heads earned more than the N33,000.00 monthly minimum wage approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which indicates that they are average-income earners and will consequently enable the household heads to make rational decisions on their choice of waste management. It was revealed that about 52.6% and 35.9% of the respondents in Lagos and Ogun States, respectively, who are below the poverty line, used PSP, while about 28.9% and 34.1% of those who are non-poor or above the poverty line used the PSP. Years spent in schools, waste disposal cost, and disposal frequency were the major factors influencing households' choice of waste management strategies in south-west Nigeria. This policy should promote new healthy waste disposal methods like PSP, which the poor can afford, while phasing out the old and unhealthy methods like open dumping and burning, which still predominates in the study area and most parts of the developing countries.

Smart Bin and IoT: A Sustainable Future for Waste Management System in Nigeria

As waste production is becoming more widely recognized as a significant issue, particularly in developing nations, rising food consumption and population growth have caused environmental degradation and health crises. Nigeria's waste collection and disposal problems are commonly associated with environmental pollution and health crises. Consequently, throwing garbage on roads during environmental sanitation, is a typical method of waste disposal, leading to large piles of refuse along the roadside, which hinders the nation's beauty. Therefore, for Nigeria's waste management system to be effective, sustainable smart bins with efficient Internet of Things (IoT) applications must be quickly adopted to create a green, clean atmosphere within cities. Smart bins with integrated IoT can provide a sustainable future for cities' waste management. This model seeks to develop a low-cost, intelligent waste bin system with IoT technology. Sensors and data sharing over a Wi-Fi network, allow for remote control of the waste bin, leading to improved optimization of the bin's level of waste. The economic benefits of this IoT-based system include remote access for efficient level control, lower labour costs, improved time and energy efficiency, and reduced congestion in waste bins.

Steam Explosion-Based Method for the Extraction of Cellulose and Lignin from Rice Straw Waste

This paper focuses on the optimisation of an efficient extraction process for cellulose and lignin from rice straw waste from the Albufera of Valencia using the steam explosion method. This method is particularly pertinent given the environmental and economic challenges posed by the current disposal practices of agricultural waste. The technique comprises a high-temperature cooking stage followed by instantaneous decompression, effectively altering the biomass’s physical and chemical properties to enhance its surface area and porosity. Our adaptation of the steam explosion technique specifically addresses the challenges of rice straw waste, marking a significant departure from previous applications. This innovation is crucial in addressing the urgent need for more sustainable waste management practices, as it effectively deconstructs the lignocellulosic matrix of rice straw. This facilitates the selective extraction of cellulose at a 70% efficiency, with a 20% yield and the subsequent recovery of lignin. The results of this study are significant for sustainable biomaterial production, offering novel insights into optimising these crucial biomass components. By refining the process and focusing on critical parameters, our work advances the application of steam explosion methods for agricultural waste, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. By utilising rice straw biowaste, this research not only proposes a solution to a pressing environmental issue but also demonstrates the potential to create new market opportunities, increase the economic value for rice producers, and significantly reduce the environmental footprint of existing waste disposal methods. The holistic and ecological approach of this study underscores the vital need for innovative strategies in agricultural waste management, positioning the valorisation of rice straw waste as a key component in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

Dental Solid Waste Analysis: A Scoping Review and Research Model Proposal

In the face of 21st-century environmental challenges, including climate change, migration pressures, and waste disposal issues, certain healthcare sectors, notably dentistry, pose a significant global environmental footprint with concerns about carbon emissions and waste production. This scoping review searches the paradox that healthcare, while dedicated to safeguarding health, inadvertently contributes to environmental degradation through waste accumulation and disposal. The analysis of the relevant literature emphasizes the imperative for an environmentally sustainable approach to dental waste measurement, disposal methods, and comprehensive education for stakeholders. Aligned with the World Conference on Sustainable Development and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, the study adhered to PRISMA-ScR systematic review guidelines and the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations. The study utilized Medline/PubMed and international organization websites for data retrieval, employing Boolean operator queries in Medline. The systematic literature analysis identified six cross-sectional studies (2004–2023) highlighting variations in dental waste composition due to the lack of standardized identification methods. This heterogeneity underscores the need for a proposed research model, emphasizing comprehensive methodologies and healthcare staff training in waste management, thus transforming the analysis into a scoping review. The study advocates for environmentally conscious dental practices, contributing to broader sustainable healthcare goals through sharing of a research protocol for dental solid waste management.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Green Dentistry among Dental Professionals in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Green dentistry is an evolving practice that focuses on sustainability, prevention, and a minimally invasive, patient-centric approach. It aims to preserve the environment by reducing the ecological footprint of dental practices. The most common waste products used in dental practice are amalgams from restorative materials, radiographic chemicals, plastic/paper barriers, and disinfectant solutions, all of which can adversely affect the environment and human health. Aim of Study: Despite these pressing concerns, awareness and implementation of green dentistry among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia are lacking. This knowledge gap is particularly maximum among graduates and postgraduates, who possess limited understanding of green dentistry principles. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of green dentistry concepts and practices among dental professionals and identify the barriers and facilitators for promoting sustainable dental practice in the country. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted among 190 dental practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; the questionnaire was distributed online. Results: Among the 190 respondents, the majority were male practitioners (72%), with most of them holding master’s degrees (39.5%) and working as specialists (47%). The overall awareness of green dentistry was higher, and most dentists followed eco-friendly practices and proper waste disposal methods. Conclusion: Green dentistry is a multidisciplinary approach that emphasizes efficient resource practice within dental offices, thereby reducing the impact of dental practice on the environment through the adoption of eco-friendly practices.

Study on the macro–micro evolution of compaction characteristics of coal gangue with different grain sizes under side-limit compression conditions

Currently the main method of mine solid waste disposal and utilization is to apply gangue to underground filling. For the grading characteristics of coal gangue in the hollow zone in underground filling, the state of pressure and the mechanical properties of coal gangue filling materials under different particle sizes. In this paper, through laboratory tests and numerical simulations, the bearing characteristics and deformation damage of gangue are deeply investigated and analyzed from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. The results of the study show that when the axial pressure reaches a certain threshold, the strain increases accordingly with the increase in grain size. Under the axial pressure condition of 15MPa, the bearing capacity of gangue with different grain sizes under the lateral pressure of steel cylinder showed obvious positive correlation. In the software PFC3D simulation, as the particle size of gangue particles increases, it has a significant effect on the natural stacking porosity of the specimen, and gangue particles are more prone to force chain instability and failure. Mixed particle size gangue can significantly reduce the natural accumulation porosity of the specimen, thus improving its overall stability. Significant displacement triangles existed in the top and lateral directions of the B1 (0–5 mm), B2 (5–10 mm), and B5 (0–20 mm) specimens under the same circumferential pressure conditions. The results of the study are of great significance for further selection of reasonable gangue gradation and determination of its mechanical properties.

IMPACT OF TECHNICAL LANDFILL BOUGUERGUER ON WATER RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT (NORTH-EAST ALGERIA)

While landfilling remains the most economically viable and commonly employed method of waste disposal, it poses potential risks of environmental degradation, including foul odor emission, biogas production, and the generation of leachates carrying a significant pollution load. Leachates, upon infiltrating the subsoil, contribute to a profound degradation of groundwater. This study focuses on assessing the impact of leachates from the public landfill of Bouguerguer (wilaya of Guelma) on groundwater and surface water. Two sampling campaigns were conducted, with the first involving 5 samples and the second comprising 8 samples, both carried out in 2018. Analytical results reveal that water sourced from wells, springs, and downstream surface water from the technical landfill Bouguerguer is heavily contaminated with organic matter and metallic trace elements (Cr+6, Pb+, Fe+3, and Ni). Levels of organic matter (BOD5: 50 mg/l - 10 mg/l, dissolved oxygen: 0.5-9 mg/l) are notably elevated in surface and groundwater, respectively. Additionally, concentrations of trace metal elements (Cr+6: 0.075-2.45 mg/l, Pb+: 0.03-1.16 mg/l, Fe+3: 0.006-7.07 mg/l, Ni+: 0.29-25 mg/l) significantly surpass the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Consequently, these findings substantiate our hypothesis that degraded groundwater and surface water contribute significantly to the prevalence of diseases in Guelma Wilaya. This study emphasizes the urgent need for local authorities to implement preventive measures to mitigate pollution and to rehabilitate the landfill in accordance with international standards.

An identification of optimal waste disposal method for dumpsite remediation using the Fermatean fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method.

Improperly managed wastes that have been dumped in landfills over the years pose various challenges, but they also offer potential benefits. The feasibility of recycling such waste depends on the type of wastes, the condition of dumpsites, and the technology implemented for disposal. The selection of an alternative waste disposal method from the many available options for dumpsite remediation is a complex decision-making process among experts. The primary aim of this study is to assist in an extended multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to reduce complexity in the proposed dumpsite remediation problem influenced by multiple criteria and to identify the optimal waste disposal method. Data uncertainties are managed with the proposed Fermatean fuzzy preference scale, and the importance of all socio-economic criteria is assessed using the full consistency method (FUCOM). The final ranking results of the weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method identify that the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) process could play a significant role in the disposal of land-filled unprocessed wastes, promoting sustainable waste management. Meanwhile, the methodology explores the idea that financial and logistical constraints may limit the feasibility of large-scale recycling efforts. This combination of environmental science and decision science addresses real-world challenges, helping municipal solid waste management authorities implement sustainable waste management practices.

Impact of waste discharge concentration on fluid flow in inner stretched and outer stationary co-axial cylinders

The effect of Stefan blowing and pollutant concentration distribution on the flow of fluid through the co-axial cylinder is investigated in this study. Investigating the fluid flow and dispersion of waste materials in co-axial cylinders can lead to the progress of effective waste disposal and pollution prevention methods. The outer cylinder remains stationary and the inner cylinder deforms horizontally along the axial direction which initiating the liquid flow. The governing equations are converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) utilizing similarity variables. Then, the reduced ODEs are solved numerically using the Runge Kutta Fehlberg fourth-fifth order (RKF-45) approach. The consequence of various parameters on the velocity, thermal, and concentration profiles are displayed in graphical representation. The rise in values of the curvature parameter upsurges the temperature profile. The concentration decreases as the pollutant external source variation parameter and pollutant source parameter increases. The rise in pollutant external source variation parameter values declines the mass transfer rate, but a converse trend is seen for increasing pollutant external source parameter values.

Awareness on the Waste Management Practices and Causes for Increased Urban Waste Generation among the General Public in Western Province, Sri Lanka

he upsurge in waste generation and improper management of waste possess serious issues to individuals‘ health and the environment. The administration of waste holds a crucial part in waste organization and proper waste management practices are essential to control the increase of urban waste and associated hazards. The present study aimed to assess the awareness on causes for increased urban waste and the practices of the general public on waste management. A descriptive cross-sectional study in Western Province, Sri Lanka was conducted among males and females within the age group of 20 to 60. 150 individuals were recruited using the quota sampling method and a self-administered questionnaire was distributed in English, Sinhala, and Tamil languages. Additionally, using SPSS software, the results were statistically analyzed. As per the data that was analyzed, 51.3% of the respondents were between the ages of 20 and 30. Most of the participants, 87.3% were aware of the increase in urban waste, and 88.6% stated the management of waste can hold a positive impact on suitable development. However, 40.6% have stated industrial waste as the major source associated with the surging urban waste indicating the unawareness of household waste as the primary source. Furthermore, though 84.6% divide inorganic and organic waste, according to 64% of participants, e-waste is not discarded using proper channels. Thus, there is an increased risk of health implications as e-waste chemical constituents could be hazardous to both human health and the environment. In the opinion of 89.3%, further training on waste management should be carried out while 52% of the respondents have declared not attaining any practices on waste management. Hence, an increase in the urban waste can be visible as the participants were inexperienced and unfamiliar with efficient waste disposal and management methods. The evidence that is currently available from this study suggests that there is a need to enhance community awareness, encourage training, and change people's attitudes regarding waste. A comprehensive infection control program combined with safe disposal of waste is recommended to achieve sustainable and economically viable waste management. 
 Keywords: Urban, Waste management, e-waste, Training

Public Opinion Survey on the Status of Waste Management in Sri Lanka

Solid waste and wastewater management is a critical issue in Sri Lanka. Self-administered 18 questions were used for primary data collection covering 1,158 responses within 25 districts randomly. Age groups of the respondents and their contribution (as a percentage) for the survey were; below 18yrs (3.01%), 18-30yrs (90.59%), 30-45yrs (3.17%) and above 45yrs (1.90%). Among the respondents; 75.09% were undergraduates, 8.89% were employed, 6.13% were school students and, 5.76 were in other institutes of higher education. The time period of the survey was from 20th July 2021 to 6th August 2021. Survey was carried out using online platform (google forms). Questioner was developed to acquire information related to; solid waste, water quality (using taste as a parameter), waste disposal, disposal methods, type of wastes collected, were obtained. This was not merely a household survey, but included waste management done by Municipal councils as well. The objectives of this survey were; to find the quality of water in each area of Sri Lanka, to get an idea about household wastes and the availability of methodical waste disposal facilities, and to obtain ideas from the respondents. According to the data obtained from the survey, 83.77% of the respondents claimed that the consumed water doesn‘t contain hardness. Also, 56.30% respondents reuse household wastewater while 54.58% respondents dispose of less than 1kg of waste daily. Open dumping areas don't exist for 78.93% of the respondents, 56.39% of the respondents were aware of land-filling but 8.98 % thought that landfill process was not a good solution for garbage disposal. The disposal of non-degradable wastes to the environment was 50.07%. Burnt and open dumping percentages of household wastes were 34.54% and 10.47% respectively. Waste collection by the municipal councils does not happen systematically according to 55.01% respondents. Garbage recycling centers do not exist for 69.34% respondents. The survey showed that knowledge of waste disposal methods and environmental impacts must be improved. Awareness programs have to be conducted to acknowledge the community. Solutions from the respondents included establishing more sanitary land-filling facilities in necessary areas. Encouraging recycling of waste among the communities by conducting awareness programs about recycling companies that buy separated wastes like plastics, papers, glasses etc. which would provide an additional income. 
 Keywords: Solid waste, Wastewater, Disposal, Land-filling, Garbage

Identification of Illegal Dumping and Community Views in Informal Settlements, Cape Town: South Africa

Municipalities face the greatest difficulty in implementing an efficient and effective waste collection system, especially in informal settlements with limited spatial planning. Illegal dumping is exacerbated by the proliferation of informal settlements and the lack of adequate waste management services provided by municipalities. A geographic information system (GIS) provides decision makers with a framework for analyzing and simulating a wide variety of spatial problems, including waste management issues. The purpose of this study is to map areas susceptible to illegal dumping and to determine why the community dumps there. The data were collected qualitatively via a questionnaire using a purposeful sampling technique, and SPSS 28.0 was used to analyze the data. The accessibility of streets and the availability of vacant land affected the location and concentration of illegal dumping in the test area. The lands within a buffer zone of 250 to 500 m of populated areas are the most vulnerable. The majority of residents have individual garbage receptacles, while a minority of 43.18% do not. A total of 52 dumpsites were identified inside the red zone of the model, suggesting a strong likelihood of illegal dumping activities. Hence, the community continues to have difficulties in effectively managing garbage disposal, compelling them to resort to alternative methods of waste disposal.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy metals, Physicochemical properties and Microbes in Groundwater near Igando Dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria

The most common and cost-effective waste disposal method is the dumpsite; however, leachate from dumpsites may percolate and compromise groundwater sources. This study evaluated the levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and arsenic), physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, calcium, magnesium, and chloride), and microorganisms in borehole water samples obtained at distances of 50, 100, 200, and 400 meters from the Igando dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria. The health hazards associated with the heavy metals were also calculated. Physicochemical analysis indicated that the water samples were acidic, with pH values ranging from 4.30±0.01 to 5.21±0.008. They contained levels of calcium (166.73±0.01 - 328.66±0.06 mg/l), magnesium (83.72±0.02 - 119.40±0.17 mg/l), hardness (416.01±0.11 mg/l - 820.00±1.63 mg/l), and chloride (20.07±0.02 - 120.90±0.81 mg/l) that exceeded the limits set by the World Health Organization. Heavy metal analysis showed that, in all locations, lead exceeded the permissible limits, cadmium exceeded the limits except for the 400-m location, and copper, chromium, and arsenic (except for the 50-m location) were within permissible limits. The average daily intake and hazard quotient of the heavy metals were both within recommended limits, but the carcinogenic risks of lead, cadmium, and copper in water collected at a distance of ≤100m exceeded the threshold. Microbiological examinations revealed non-permissible levels of bacteria at all locations, coliforms at the 400-m location, and fungi at the 50-m and 400-m locations. On average, the parameters significantly (p<0.05) increased in concentrations as the proximity to the dumpsite decreased. These findings indicate that borehole water is not suitable for drinking without treatment.

Nutrition knowledge and health vulnerability of mothers of pre-school children in north-central, Nigeria.

This study explores the contribution of nutrition knowledge to the health status of pre-school children's mothers in Niger State, North-Central, Nigeria. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional design using a quantitative data collection method. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 450 mothers of pre-school children across Niger state, Nigeria. Chi-square and linear regression were used to test the level of statistical significance (at p < 0.05). Socioeconomic and demographic information, anthropometric indices and nutrition knowledge were obtained using semi-structured questionnaires. Feeding patterns were also assessed using a qualitative 7-day dietary recall. The results showed that the majority (63.8%) of the mothers were within 26-35 years, and more than half (51.6%) of the mothers lacked knowledge of a "balanced diet". Fruits, vegetables, and dairy products were the least consumed food group among the mothers (7.1% and 9.1%, respectively). Place of residence, occupation, and method of waste disposal were significantly associated with maternal minimum dietary diversity adequacy (p<0.05). Over half (57.6%) of the mothers were within the normal BMI range, and the mean waist/hip ratio was 0.82± 0.08. Social media/online was the most (36.4%) explored source of nutrition information among the mothers. This study shows no significant association between nutrition knowledge and adequacy of minimum dietary diversity among the mothers of preschool children (p = 0.09, χ2 = 13.682). Dietary diversity among mothers was associated with the socioeconomic status and BMI of the mothers, which were strong determinants of meal quality and health outcomes in Nigeria and other developing countries experiencing food insecurity.