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ASSESSMENT OF THE EXISTING DUMPSITES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Dumpsites have become a growing concern in many urban areas due to their adverse effects on the environment and public health. The accumulation of solid waste in these sites poses significant challenges, including pollution of land, water, and air, as well as the proliferation of disease vectors. Understanding the dynamics of existing dumpsites is crucial for effective waste management strategies.

Wastes can be considered, as those materials no longer required by an individual, institution or industry. Wastes are thus regarded as by-products or end products of the production and consumption process respectively. Solid waste can be defined as: ‘The useless and unwanted products in the solid state derived from the activities of the society and hence discarded off by the society.’ Solid waste results from various sources, such as animal wastes, hazardous wastes, industrial and medical wastes, food wastes, mineral waste, and nonhazardous wastes.

In the late 1990s, it was estimated that each person in the world generated 200kg of solid waste per year (UNCHS, 2001) and this was forecasted to increase with the growth in population. The quality and generation rate of solid wastes in Nigeria have increased at an alarming rate over the years with lack of efficient and modern technology for their management (Babayemi and Dauda, 2009). Solid waste management has remained an intractable environmental sanitation problem in Nigeria. This problem has manifested in the form of piles of indiscriminately disposed heaps of uncovered waste and illegal dumpsites along major roads and at street corners in cities and urban areas. This problem is compounded by the rapid urbanization and population growth which has led to the generation of enormous quantities of solid waste which are often discarded by open dumping. The rate of increase in the quantity of waste generated in relation to the population size can only worsen urban environmental issues and planning as a whole (Babayemi and Dauda, 2009).

Solid wastes are mainly disposed off to dumpsite, because it is the simplest and cheapest method of disposing waste (Barret and Lawler, 1995). Rushbroke (2001) describes open dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a primitive stage of waste disposal, practiced by three fourths of countries and territories round the world. Open dumps are the major causes of environmental degradation and public health concerns in many developing countries including Nigeria. These waste dumps may contain a mixture of general waste and toxic, infectious or radioactive wastes and are susceptible to burning and exposure to scavengers. There are a number of major risks and impacts of the dumpsites on the environment. For instance, air pollution from open burning, due to emission of green house gases such as methane and carbon dioxide; the air emissions and leachates generated as a result of decomposition of waste may contaminate air, surface and groundwater sources; fire hazards and explosions cause public health risks as well. The emission of greenhouse gases, rats and fly infestation and nuisance effects are among the health and environmentalimpacts of poor solid waste management. In addition, scattering of wastes by wind and scavenging by birds, animals and waste pickers creates aesthetic nuisance. Malodour emanating due to the degradation of the waste in the dumpsite has nuisance effect and decreases the economic and social values in the locality. In many dumpsites, the waste is directly exposed due to the absence of daily cover on the dumped waste and this attracts the animal and human  scavengers (Kurian et al, 2004).

According to DEAT (2001), the life and dumpsite and landfill can be managed if wastes disposed to dumpsites are minimized through waste recycling and resource recovery and the vision of the Polokwane declaration is to reduce solid wastes landfilled to 50% of current levels by 2012 and to zero by 2022. If resources (both renewable and non renewable) are salvaged, dumpsites air space will be more effectively utilized and pollution and environmental degradation will be reduced.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite efforts to manage solid waste, existing dumpsites continue to pose environmental and health hazards in many communities. These dumpsites often lack proper containment and treatment measures, leading to contamination of surrounding areas and endangering the well-being of residents. Consequently, there is a pressing need to assess the current state of dumpsites to identify key issues and develop targeted interventions.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of existing dumpsites on the environment and public health. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of waste accumulation on soil and water quality surrounding dumpsites.

ii. To determine the extent of air pollution caused by the decomposition of organic waste in dumpsites.

iii. To find out the prevalence of vector-borne diseases associated with dumpsite proximity.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the extent of soil and water contamination caused by waste accumulation in existing dumpsites?

ii. What is the level of air pollution resulting from the decomposition of organic waste in dumpsites?

iii. How does the proximity to dumpsites affect the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in surrounding communities?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H0: There is no significant impact of waste accumulation on soil and water quality surrounding dumpsites.

H1: There is a significant impact of waste accumulation on soil and water quality surrounding dumpsites.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant air pollution caused by the decomposition of organic waste in dumpsites.

H2: There is a significant air pollution caused by the decomposition of organic waste in dumpsites.

Hypothesis III

H0: There is no significant difference in the prevalence of vector-borne diseases between communities near dumpsites and those farther away.

H3: There is a significant difference in the prevalence of vector-borne diseases between communities near dumpsites and those farther away.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will provide valuable insights into the environmental and public health implications of existing dumpsites, guiding policymakers and stakeholders in implementing effective waste management strategies. By understanding the specific challenges posed by dumpsites, communities can work towards sustainable solutions to mitigate their adverse effects.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study will focus on assessing the environmental and public health impact of existing dumpsites in a specific urban area. Data collection will include sampling soil, water, and air quality, as well as conducting surveys to assess the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in nearby communities.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Limitations may include constraints in accessing certain dumpsites, variability in waste composition and disposal practices, and challenges in establishing causal relationships between dumpsite proximity and health outcomes. Additionally, the study's scope may be limited to a specific geographical area, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Dumpsites: Locations where solid waste is deposited and accumulated without proper containment or treatment.

Soil and water contamination: The presence of harmful substances in soil and water, resulting from waste leachate and runoff from dumpsites.

Air pollution: The presence of harmful pollutants in the air, emitted during the decomposition of organic waste in dumpsites.

Vector-borne diseases: Illnesses transmitted to humans through the bite of infected vectors such as mosquitoes, rodents, or flies, often associated with unsanitary conditions near dumpsites.

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