Hazards Associated with Plastic Wastes in the Communities of Niger Delta, Nigeria (Published)
The goal of this study was to investigate into the negative impacts that the presence of plastic waste in the communities located in the Niger Delta may have on the environment and human health. The following physico-chemical properties of the water, fish, sediment, and human blood samples were measured and analyzed: pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and phosphate. Furthermore, an assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was included of the inquiry. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to measure the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 25.0. Standard deviation, mean, and percentage were among the descriptive statistical metrics used. Furthermore, inferential statistical techniques like Turkey’s Test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to determine the presence of this correlation within a 0.05 confidence interval. The study’s findings showed that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) congeners came in 10, 9, and 11 distinct varieties in fish, water, and human blood, respectively. Therefore, it is essential to conduct routine monitoring to assess the effects that waste plastic is having on the aquatic resources and the local people in the Niger Delta. This will help evaluate how these environmental risks are now manifesting and how they affect public health.
Keywords: Communities, Environment, Hazard, Waste., plastic
Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations of Colocasia Esculenta L., Vernonia Amygdalina Del. And Amaranthus Spinosus L. And Soils Collected Around Some Abattoirs in Lagos State, Nigeria (Published)
Wastes from abattoirs may have significant effects on the soil and the surrounding plants in Lagos State of Nigeria where there are poor abattoir practices. Thus, this study aimed at assessing some heavy metals’ concentrations of Colocasia esculenta, Vernonia amygdalina and Amaranthus spinosus and soils collected around some selected abattoirs in Lagos State, Nigeria. Samples of C. esculenta, V. Amygdalina, A. Spinosus and soils were obtained from three different abattoirs in three local government areas of Lagos State. Heavy metal analysis was done on plants and soil samples using standard analytical procedures and mean-standard-deviation were used for analysis. Analysis of heavy metal revealed the concentration range of Lead (Pb) [0.001-0.053mg/100g]; Cadmium (Cd) [0.001-0.008mg/100g]; Manganese (Mn) [0.006-0.053mg/100g]; Cobalt (Co) [0.003-0.007mg/100g], Nickel (Ni) [0.001-0.003mg/100g]; Zinc (Zn) [0.246-0.7441 mg/100g] and Chromium (Cr) value was 0.001mg/100g in three vegetables across the three abattoirs. Also, the soil analysis showed that the concentrations range of Pb [0.110-0.123mg/100g]; Cd [0.017-0.019mg/100g]; Mn [0.340-0.695mg/100g]; Cr [0.001-0.004mg/100g]; Co [0.011-0.013mg/100g]; Ni [0.005-0.006mg/100g] and Zn [1.104-1.267mg/100g]. These metallic concentrations were below or within metallic limits set by World Health Organization and thus, are safe for consumption at time of this study. However, efforts should be made to reduce these metals in order to prevent abattoirs’ effluents accumulation. This study therefore suggest that abattoir effluents should be correctly channelled and controlled into cesspit or treated to avoid plants and surrounding soils’ heavy metal build-up.
Keywords: Abattoir, Colocasia esculenta, Heavy Metal, Vernonia amygdalina Amaranthus spinosus and soils, Waste.