Assessing the Environmental and Public Health Risks of Uncontrolled Solid Waste Disposal on Water Resources in a Rapidly Urbanizing Nigerian Metropolis A Case Study of Damaturu Section Articles

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental and public health risks posed by uncontrolled solid waste disposal on water resources in Damaturu Metropolis, Yobe State, Nigeria. Rapid urbanization has led to inadequate waste management, resulting in open dumpsites that generate toxic leachate, contaminating surface and groundwater. The research aims to evaluate key physicochemical parameters (pH, BOD, alkalinity, nitrates, temperature, and turbidity) in water samples near dumpsites, compare them against WHO and NSDWQ standards, assess health risks, and propose mitigation strategies.

Ten water samples (five surface and five underground) were collected using purposive and random sampling, and analyzed via standard laboratory methods. Results indicate significant contamination, with surface water showing high turbidity (up to 149 NTU, exceeding 5 NTU limit), elevated BOD (up to 9 mg/L), and variable pH. Groundwater exhibited lower but still concerning turbidity levels. Nitrate concentrations remained below 50 mg/L, though inconsistencies in prior reporting highlight potential risks. Synthesized with existing data on heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium) and pathogens, findings reveal threats of waterborne diseases, methemoglobinemia, and chronic conditions like neurological damage and cancer.

The study underscores the need for engineered landfills, community-based sorting, public education, and routine monitoring to safeguard water resources. It fills a research gap in smaller Nigerian urban centers, advocating evidence-based policies for sustainable waste management.

Keywords: Solid waste management, Leachate contamination, Water quality, Damaturu Metropolis, Sustainable mitigation