Assessment of the Environmental Impact and Awareness of Waste Disposal in Jos Metropolis Plateau State, Nigeria

Assessment of the Environmental Impact and Awareness of Waste Disposal in Jos Metropolis Plateau State, Nigeria | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Assessment of the Environmental Impact and Awareness of Waste Disposal in Jos Metropolis Plateau State, Nigeria Wuyep Solomon Zitta, Yilni Edward This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4970352/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Rapid development and population growth have led to a surge in waste generation. Noncompliance with best practices for environmental waste disposal has led to escalating environmental impacts; however, this practice has drastic public health risks in the Jos metropolis. A random sampling method was used to administer questionnaires to 600 respondents. One hundred questionnaires were administered to the six settlements selected. Both descriptive and five-point Likert statistics were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that females are more engaged in environmental management than their male counterparts. There is inadequate awareness and education about waste disposal among respondents, distance to the point of disposal and inadequate disposal facilities are major factors influencing proper waste disposal. In addition, the findings indicated that respondents are knowledgeable that poor solid waste disposal creates a dirty environment, leads to pest infestations and spread diseases among communities. The results showed that respondents are aware that bad and offensive odors pollute the environment and hence affect their health. It is recommended that communities should be educated on proper waste disposal and its health impact and that environmental monitoring by ministries of health and the environment be conducted for physicochemical analysis of underground water which are closer to solid waste disposal sites to detect evidence of contamination. Monthly sanitation exercise should be reintroduced to curtail environmental contamination, strengthen waste collection and provide adequate containers within communities at short intervals, encouraging both the government and the private sector to increase recycling. Environmental Policy Environmental Waste Disposal Impact Awareness Pollution Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 INTRODUCTION Solid waste has become one of the greatest threats in the world, but the situation in developing countries has become problematic (Nelson, Agbu. and Jonathan, 2013; Bassey, et al., 2024 ). Waste not only is increasing in composition but is also changing in quantity from a few kilograms to tons (Zia and Devadas, 2008 ). Globally, approximately 1.3 billion tons of waste are generated annually. This amount is expected to reach 2.2 billion tons by 2025 (McDougall and Broome, 2008 ; Debnath, 2015; Tahulela and Ballard, 2017 ). Globally, solid waste management costs will increase from annual US $ 205.4 billion in 2016 to approximately US $ 375.5 billion in 2025 (Puopiel, 2010 ; Tahulela and Ballard, 2017 ; Ghosh, 2017 ). Solid wastes can be defined as nonliquid and nongaseous products of human activities and are regarded as useless. It can take the forms of garbage, refuse and sludge (Jiya, Saidu, and Musa, 2016 ). Indiscriminate dumping of solid waste has serious consequences for the environment, particularly in relation to human health and the ecosystem (Wilson, Adebisi, Kaine and Cheeseman, 2009 ; Babalola, Ishaku, Busu and Rafee, 2010 ). The improper disposal of waste equally predisposes people to infections of various magnitudes (Sonika and Chhipa, 2013 ; Ogundele, Opeagbe & Abiodun, 2018 ). The World Health Organization (WHO) ( 2016 ) reports that approximately 5.2 million people, including 4 million children, die each year from diseases caused by improper disposal of sewage and solid wastes. However, they further noted that urban residents who live in proximity to waste dumps sites are susceptible to respiratory infections, skin diseases, acute intestinal infections, cholera, and eye cancer. Wastes reduce the aesthetic value of the environment, hence producing odors that are injurious to human health and serving as breeding grounds for pathogenic organisms that cause sporadic outbreaks of disease (Orajekwe, 2011 ). A high rate of population growth and increasing per capita income have resulted in the generation of an enormous volume of waste, which poses a serious threat to environmental quality (Ojemudia and Ojigi, 2006 ; Hosetti, 2006 ; Achankeng, 2013 ). Changing economic trends and rapid urbanization have increased waste disposal in many communities. Continuing advancements in science and technology are contributing significantly to the increasing toxicity and volume of waste generated (Thitame, Phalke and Pondhe, 2015 ). A considerable amount of domestic and industrial waste generated is dumped within the city. Such waste can generate pollutants ranging from metals to organic materials. Some of these wastes are disposed of through sewer systems. These disposal methods threaten human health, safety, and the environment and impose additional indirect costs on society (Nkala, 2012 ; Tahulela and Ballard, 2017 ). Nevertheless, most industrial, commercial, and household waste is now being placed in landfills or surface impoundments. Many of the small premises do not have access to any disposal system other than allowing waste to soak into the ground. Industrial contaminants can also reach local aquifers via interaction with surface water or directly through infiltration (Palczynski, 2013 ). When waste is burned, hazardous gases are released into the air, and toxic residues are left in the form of ash (Fahzy, 2014 ). These hazardous waste byproducts find way into humans and animals in one form or another (Abila and Kantola, 2013 ). According to Sthiannopkao and Wong ( 2013 ), developing countries are facing problems with the management of solid waste because of ineffective policy implementation, poor waste awareness, insufficient facilities, poor public participation, lack of technology and commitment to waste minimization. A study performed in Hanoi, Vietnam, indicated that individuals are ignorant or lack understanding of waste management. This study showed that illegal dumping is a norm in the Hanoi community (Nkala, 2012 ; Nguyen, Zhu and Le, 2015 ). The environment plays an immense role in maintaining and supporting the health of all people (United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 2014 ). Consequently, the environment continues to suffer, and the planet is facing serious and complex environmental issues such as environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, population overload, and many others (UNEP, 2014). According to Aydin ( 2013 ), awareness is the condition of being aware and able to understand what is happening around one environment. In agreement with the above views, Bandara ( 2008 ) equates awareness with the perception of being conscious of acquaintance with something. In the context of this study, awareness implies understanding and knowledge of activities and events such as land pollution occurring around one’s environment. One of the greatest challenges facing most urban centers in Nigeria today is how to cope with the increasing volume of waste generated daily by the populace (Ahmed and Ali, 2011 ; Mshelia, 2015 ). Nigeria generates 25 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, and the waste generation rates range from 0.66 kg/cap/d in urban areas to 0.44 kg/cap/d in rural areas. Ahmed and Ali ( 2011 ) noted that this number is expected to double by 2040 (Bassey et al., 2024 ). This is manifested by large refuse heaps, which are seen in streets and carriageways defacing the landscape of the environment (Gukop, 2012 ). The 1998 Koko waste episode in Nigeria opened up behind-the-scene deals on hazardous wastes involving many African countries (Sangodoyin, and Ipadeola, 2000 ). Overall population growth and increasing urbanization in Jos have led to rapid growth in the city, which has been overwhelmed by the sudden increase in waste disposal demand. The supply of waste disposal infrastructure lags far behind that of other infrastructure, hence affecting human health and the ecosystem. Garbage and solid waste pose serious threats to human health and the environment in Jos due to the hazards faced by the households living in Jos town. Refuse from domestic work, commercial areas and agricultural waste products littered on streets and residential areas can result in health problems such as malaria and cholera (Bandara, 2008 ; Achankeng, 2013 ). An obvious way to reduce the problem of environmentally induced diseases is to manage waste properly. In Jos, generating solid waste is at an alarming rate such that in most cases, the volume of waste generated is often greater than what the city system can absorb or handle. With this background, this study seeks to assess the environmental impact of waste disposal in Jos metropolis. This goal was achieved through the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, the factors contributing to poor solid waste disposal, the waste disposal method and the respondents’ perceptions of the environmental impact of poor solid waste disposal. MATERIALS AND METHODS Jos lies within latitudes 9 o 36 ' N and 9 o 62' N of the equator and between Longitudes 8 o 41'E and 8 o 59' E of the Greenwich Meridian. Jos is situated 1,300 meters above sea level in Nigeria’s Middle Belt (Vivian, Adesikuteb, Danjuma and Abdulrahman, 2015; Wuyep, 2018 ). Jos city is the administrative capital of the Plateau State in Nigeria (Fig. 1 ). The metropolis has a population of 1,101,300 people and covers an area of 249,9 km² (NPC, 2022). The climate is influenced by the height above sea level and spatial position across the seasonal migration belt of the Intertropical Discontinuity (ITD) region (Wuyep and Rampedi, 2018 ; Wuyep, and Akinseye, 2020 ). The study area has a wet-and-dry tropical rainy (AW) climate, as classified by Koppen (1923). Jos is characterized by a mean annual rainfall of 1,260 mm and a peak between July and August, while the mean annual temperature is approximately 22°C (Alfred, 2012 ). Six settlements were randomly selected from both Jos south (Bukuru town, Gyel, Dadin Kowa) and Jos North (Bauchi Ring Road, Millionaires quarters, Tudun Wada). A random sampling method was used to administer questionnaires to 600 respondents, and 100 questionnaires were administered to each of the settlements. Both descriptive and five-point Likert scale statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 1 Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents Gender Component Frequency Percentage Female 311 51.8 Male 289 48.2 Age 20–30 127 21.2 31–40 258 43 41–50 108 18 51–60 107 17.8 Marital status Single 85 14.2 Married 492 82 Divorced 23 3.8 Level of Education No formal education 88 14.7 Secondary education 14.7 39 Tertiary education 278 46.3 The results in Table 1 show the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. Approximately 52% of the respondents were female, while approximately 48% were male. This shows that females are the dominant group in terms of handling waste in the environment. Females are closer to the environment and engage in environmental management by cleaning the environment, especially in terms of garbage disposal (Wuyep, Vincent, Arin, Daloeng and Baminda, 2014 ; Tadesse and Hadgu, 2009 ; Kiboigo, 2024 ). Twenty-one percent of the respondents were aged between 20 and 30 years, 43% were aged 31 and 40 years, 18% were aged 41 and 50 years, and 18% were aged 51 and 60 years. This shows that most of the age groups engaged in waste disposal in the study area are adults aged 31–40 years. Age plays a vital role in environmental issues, as maturity might affect the level of awareness of environmental health and waste management. Similarly, 14% of the respondents were single, 82% were married, and approximately 4% were divorced. A high proportion (82%) of respondents indicated that they were responsible for waste management and disposal. Additionally, approximately 15% of the respondents had no formal education, approximately 39% had secondary education, and 46% had tertiary education. This indicates that most of the respondents are educated and thus may be aware of the environmental impact of waste disposal. Longe, Longe and Ukpebor ( 2009 ) suggested that education level helps influence how much exposure, knowledge and perception a respondent has of waste generation and management in society. These findings are consistent with the work of Tadesse and Hadgu ( 2009 ), who noted that educated people contribute more significantly to bringing about a gap between the environment and development. Table 2 Factors Contributing to Poor Solid Waste Disposal Components Strongly agree (%) Agree (%) Neutral (%) Strongly disagree (%) Disagree (%) I Inadequate awareness and education regarding waste disposal 300 (50) 264 (44) 0 (0) 24 (4) 12 (2) Distance to disposal site 588 (98) 12 (2) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) Inadequate waste disposal facilities 600 (100) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) As shown in Table 2 , 50% of the respondents strongly agreed that there was inadequate awareness and education regarding waste disposal. Conversely, 98% strongly agreed that distance to disposal sites is a factor hindering waste disposal. Similarly, all the respondents strongly agreed that inadequate waste disposal facilities are factors contributing to poor solid waste disposal. Kabiru ( 2017 ) suggested that the distance to disposal sites is one of the major challenges faced by respondents in Kano city. He further noted that proper health education and sensitization within the community can improve individuals’ level of knowledge of proper solid waste management. Knowledge of the nature of wastes is important for the waste management process. This approach can help waste managers deal with different types of waste in appropriate ways and reduce the potential negative impacts of waste handling and handlers (Nadi, 2009, Shamshiry, et al., 2011). Figure 2 shows the waste disposal methods used in the Jos metropolis. Approximately 36% of the respondents dispose of their waste by roadside (Fig. 3 , A), approximately 4% dispose of it through burning/incineration within the compound, 56% dispose of it waste at nearby bushes (Fig. 3 , B), and 5% dispose of their waste at public dumpsites. Conversely, neither was involved in recycling the waste, and no waste collector collected the waste for disposal. This shows that most of the respondents dispose of their waste indiscriminately within the environment. However, indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes can affect the environment and public health directly or indirectly. The health impacts of poor solid waste disposal depend on the type of exposure, nature of the waste, and proximity of the disposal site to human settlements (Kabiru, 2017 ). These findings are consistent with the work of Aliyu ( 2008 ), Muktar ( 2011 ), and Pate ( 2012 ), who noted that solid waste disposal in many Nigerian cities is responsible for many environmental and health problems in cities such as Kano, Lagos, Abakaliki and Onitsha. Inappropriate garbage disposal of solid waste leads to toxic pollutants, groundwater contamination and surface water pollution; odor emission; and breeding places for rodents and insects such as flies and mosquitoes (Kabiru ( 2017 ; Ofodeme, Elendu, Nnodim, Tokung and Mashi, 2022 ; Abir, Datta, and Saha, 2023 ). Aliyu ( 2008 ) reported that poor solid waste disposal is responsible for the transmission of diseases, especially to neighborhoods around solid waste dump sites. Aydin ( 2013 ) revealed that the impact of natural and human activities on solid waste disposal sites has a significant effect on water quality. According to the report of Sujauddin (2008), significant findings on the impact of solid waste dumpsite at Dandora on environmental pollution and impact on public health have been reported because the findings show traces of high levels of heavy metals and other contaminants. The WHO (2018) reported that indiscriminate waste dumping could negatively affect environmental esthetics. Uncollected waste pollutes surrounding air, constituting a health risk and contaminating ground water, especially where the use of well water for drinking is common. Buried hazardous domestic wastes can filter down through the soil and contaminate groundwater. Hazardous liquids on the ground can poison soil and plants (EPA, 2004). Table 3 Perceptions of Respondents on the Environmental Impact of Poor Solid Waste Disposal Component Strongly agree (%) Agree (%) Neutral (%) Strongly disagree (%) Disagree (%) Poor solid waste disposal is related to disease transmission 600 (10) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) Bad/offensive odor 588 (98) 12 (2) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) Dirty environment 594 (99) 6 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) Poor solid waste disposal is responsible for pest infestations 480 (80) 60 (10) 18 (3) 42 (7) 0 (0) From the analysis in Table 3 , all (100%) respondents strongly agreed that poor solid waste disposal is related to diseases transmission, 98% strongly agreed that bad/offensive odors emanate from solid waste, hence polluting the environment, 99% strongly agreed that solid waste creates a dirty environment, and 80% of the respondents strongly agreed that poor solid waste disposal is responsible for pest infestations in the area. This indicates that respondents in the study area are knowledgeable about the impact of poor solid waste disposal on the environment and its health implications. These findings are consistent with Longe, Longe, and Ukpebor ( 2009 ) and Ogundele, Opeagbe and Abiodun ( 2018 ), who reported that respondents are aware of the effects of poor solid waste disposal related to disease transmission, such as malaria, cholera and diarrhea. This finding is in line with the results of Rhule ( 2008 ) on resident perceptions of poor solid waste disposal practices in the Sokoto metropolis in Nigeria. He highlighted that many residents who dispose of solid waste indiscriminately have a poor understanding of its implications. To overcome the solid waste crisis, individuals’ conscience needs to be improved through environmental awareness and education on waste management (Yoada, 2014; Aliyu, 2015 ). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This study assessed the environmental impact and awareness of waste disposal in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State. The study revealed that females are more engaged in environmental management than males are. Inadequate awareness and education about waste disposal are noted among respondents despite their level of education. However, the distance to the point of disposal and inadequate disposal facilities are major factors limiting proper waste disposal in the study area. In addition, the findings indicate that respondents are knowledgeable that poor solid waste disposal creates a dirty environment, leads to pest infestations and spreads diseases among communities. Nevertheless, respondents are aware that bad and offensive odors pollute the environment and hence affect their health. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the government and relevant stakeholders review and strengthen solid waste management policy to ensure the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste. Vigorous community mobilization of health education messages to community members should be planned and implemented regularly using media sources such as television and radio to increase awareness of the impact of poor solid waste disposal. Seminars should be organized by governmental and nongovernmental organizations for residents of the study area, as this would help them change their attitudes and behaviors toward proper waste management. In addition, regular environmental monitoring by the Ministry of Health and Environment should be used for physicochemical analysis of underground water closer to solid waste disposal sites to detect evidence of contamination. Consequently, monthly sanitation exercise should be reintroduced to curtail environmental contamination and indiscriminate the dumping of waste. Thus, strengthening waste collection and disposal infrastructure, promoting waste segregation, and providing adequate containers within communities can promote regular waste disposal and reduce the distance to disposal sites. Overall, authorities should promote recycling initiatives, encouraging both the government and the private sector to boost recycling, which would reduce waste in the community. Declarations Plateau State University, Bokkos, Nigeria granted ethical approval for this study involving humans. All subjects gave informed consent for inclusion before participating in the study. References Abila, B. and Kantola, J. (2013). People’s perception on household solid waste management in Ojo local Government area in Nigeria . Unpublished Thesis Nasarawa State University. Abir, T. M., Datta, M. and Saha, S. R. (2023). 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(2020). assessment of urban heat island using remote sensing and GIS techniques in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. FUDMA International Journal of Social Sciences (FUDIJOSS), 2(2), 29-40. Yoada, R. M., et al. (2014). Domestic waste disposal practice and perceptions of private sector waste management in urban Accra. Public Health ,14, 697-697. Zia, H. and Devadas, V. (2008). Urban solid waste management in Kanpur: opportunity and perspectives. Habitat International , 32, 58–73. Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4970352","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":344632260,"identity":"c80ae2ff-4e0e-47a0-b4a4-fc64f3156c82","order_by":0,"name":"Wuyep Solomon Zitta","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAw0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBADGX4GBjbStPBINpCsxeAAsVoMbuQYPi74Y8NjfCP52YMPFQzy/GIHCGoxNp7ZlsZjdiPN3HDGGQbDmbMT8Gsxu5FjJs3bcBioJQHIaGNIMLhNWIv5b54/h3mMZ6R/I1qLGTMP22EeA4kcIm2xP/OsWBrkF4kzb8okZ5yRIOwXyfbkjZ+BISbH356+TeJDhY08vzQBLQwMHAbMYFoArFKCkHIQYH8A0cJ/gBjVo2AUjIJRMBIBALEEPzu2S6AmAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4983-5538","institution":"Department of Geography, Plateau State University Bokkos, Nigeria","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Wuyep","middleName":"Solomon","lastName":"Zitta","suffix":""},{"id":344632261,"identity":"7c242d31-0fed-46b3-b201-856cd5aa80b2","order_by":1,"name":"Yilni Edward","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Plateau State University, Bokkos","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yilni","middleName":"","lastName":"Edward","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-08-24 18:45:14","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4970352/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4970352/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":63800073,"identity":"dc3b1eda-e3ec-4e31-82aa-f4925abd7a43","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-02 13:07:48","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":236640,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eNigeria map showing Jos Metropolis\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4970352/v1/2e043d3aec5b151d461bb1ee.png"},{"id":63798982,"identity":"b5a3befd-4cc2-4c40-b9b3-4f41f1f6f02e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-02 12:59:48","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":14462,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eWaste disposal methods\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4970352/v1/562a77fdd3226a1d2329a9c6.png"},{"id":63798984,"identity":"0ecbfbe0-4f65-44e4-90e4-12f08f9acdeb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-02 12:59:48","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1109671,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eWaste by roadside (A), and nearby bush (B).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4970352/v1/feffb2545128492d9edd9197.png"},{"id":63800077,"identity":"569a1e29-59de-4e57-ade8-141f8b3ab553","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-09-02 13:07:53","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1847588,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4970352/v1/b4bcdb25-1cc1-4b5f-bbbf-7eb166db6954.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssessment of the Environmental Impact and Awareness of Waste Disposal in Jos Metropolis Plateau State, Nigeria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eSolid waste has become one of the greatest threats in the world, but the situation in developing\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ecountries has become problematic (Nelson, Agbu. and Jonathan, 2013; Bassey, et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Waste not only is increasing in composition but is also changing in quantity from a few kilograms to tons (Zia and Devadas, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). Globally, approximately 1.3\u0026nbsp;billion tons of waste are generated annually. This amount is expected to reach 2.2\u0026nbsp;billion tons by 2025 (McDougall and Broome, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e; Debnath, 2015; Tahulela and Ballard, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Globally, solid waste management costs will increase from annual US\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c/span\u003e205.4\u0026nbsp;billion in 2016 to approximately US\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c/span\u003e375.5\u0026nbsp;billion in 2025 (Puopiel, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Tahulela and Ballard, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Ghosh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSolid wastes can be defined as nonliquid and nongaseous products of human activities and are regarded as useless. It can take the forms of garbage, refuse and sludge (Jiya, Saidu, and Musa, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Indiscriminate dumping of solid waste has serious consequences for the environment, particularly in relation to human health and the ecosystem (Wilson, Adebisi, Kaine and Cheeseman, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Babalola, Ishaku, Busu and Rafee, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). The improper disposal of waste equally predisposes people to infections of various magnitudes (Sonika and Chhipa, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Ogundele, Opeagbe \u0026amp; Abiodun, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The World Health Organization (WHO) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) reports that approximately 5.2\u0026nbsp;million people, including 4\u0026nbsp;million children, die each year from diseases caused by improper disposal of sewage and solid wastes. However, they further noted that urban residents who live in proximity to waste dumps sites are susceptible to respiratory infections, skin diseases, acute intestinal infections, cholera, and eye cancer. Wastes reduce the aesthetic value of the environment, hence producing odors that are injurious to human health and serving as breeding grounds for pathogenic organisms that cause sporadic outbreaks of disease (Orajekwe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). A high rate of population growth and increasing per capita income have resulted in the generation of an enormous volume of waste, which poses a serious threat to environmental quality (Ojemudia and Ojigi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e; Hosetti, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e; Achankeng, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). Changing economic trends and rapid urbanization have increased waste disposal in many communities. Continuing advancements in science and technology are contributing significantly to the increasing toxicity and volume of waste generated (Thitame, Phalke and Pondhe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA considerable amount of domestic and industrial waste generated is dumped within the city. Such waste can generate pollutants ranging from metals to organic materials. Some of these wastes are disposed of through sewer systems. These disposal methods threaten human health, safety, and the environment and impose additional indirect costs on society (Nkala, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Tahulela and Ballard, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Nevertheless, most industrial, commercial, and household waste is now being placed in landfills or surface impoundments. Many of the small premises do not have access to any disposal system other than allowing waste to soak into the ground. Industrial contaminants can also reach local aquifers via interaction with surface water or directly through infiltration (Palczynski, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). When waste is burned, hazardous gases are released into the air, and toxic residues are left in the form of ash (Fahzy, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). These hazardous waste byproducts find way into humans and animals in one form or another (Abila and Kantola, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to Sthiannopkao and Wong (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), developing countries are facing problems with the management of solid waste because of ineffective policy implementation, poor waste awareness, insufficient facilities, poor public participation, lack of technology and commitment to waste minimization. A study performed in Hanoi, Vietnam, indicated that individuals are ignorant or lack understanding of waste management. This study showed that illegal dumping is a norm in the Hanoi community (Nkala, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Nguyen, Zhu and Le, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe environment plays an immense role in maintaining and supporting the health of all people (United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Consequently, the environment continues to suffer, and the planet is facing serious and complex environmental issues such as environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, population overload, and many others (UNEP, 2014). According to Aydin (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e), awareness is the condition of being aware and able to understand what is happening around one environment. In agreement with the above views, Bandara (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e) equates awareness with the perception of being conscious of acquaintance with something. In the context of this study, awareness implies understanding and knowledge of activities and events such as land pollution occurring around one\u0026rsquo;s environment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the greatest challenges facing most urban centers in Nigeria today is how to cope with the increasing volume of waste generated daily by the populace (Ahmed and Ali, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e; Mshelia, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Nigeria generates 25\u0026nbsp;million tons of municipal solid waste annually, and the waste generation rates range from 0.66 kg/cap/d in urban areas to 0.44 kg/cap/d in rural areas. Ahmed and Ali (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e) noted that this number is expected to double by 2040 (Bassey et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). This is manifested by large refuse heaps, which are seen in streets and carriageways defacing the landscape of the environment (Gukop, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). The 1998 Koko waste episode in Nigeria opened up behind-the-scene deals on hazardous wastes involving many African countries (Sangodoyin, and Ipadeola, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall population growth and increasing urbanization in Jos have led to rapid growth in the city, which has been overwhelmed by the sudden increase in waste disposal demand. The supply of waste disposal infrastructure lags far behind that of other infrastructure, hence affecting human health and the ecosystem. Garbage and solid waste pose serious threats to human health and the environment in Jos due to the hazards faced by the households living in Jos town.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRefuse from domestic work, commercial areas and agricultural waste products littered on streets and residential areas can result in health problems such as malaria and cholera (Bandara, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e; Achankeng, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). An obvious way to reduce the problem of environmentally induced diseases is to manage waste properly. In Jos, generating solid waste is at an alarming rate such that in most cases, the volume of waste generated is often greater than what the city system can absorb or handle. With this background, this study seeks to assess the environmental impact of waste disposal in Jos metropolis. This goal was achieved through the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, the factors contributing to poor solid waste disposal, the waste disposal method and the respondents\u0026rsquo; perceptions of the environmental impact of poor solid waste disposal.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cp\u003eJos lies within latitudes 9\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e 36\u003csup\u003e'\u003c/sup\u003e N and 9\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e 62' N of the equator and between Longitudes 8\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e 41'E and 8\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e 59' E of the Greenwich Meridian. Jos is situated 1,300 meters above sea level in Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s Middle Belt (Vivian, Adesikuteb, Danjuma and Abdulrahman, 2015; Wuyep, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Jos city is the administrative capital of the Plateau State in Nigeria (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The metropolis has a population of 1,101,300 people and covers an area of 249,9 km\u0026sup2; (NPC, 2022). The climate is influenced by the height above sea level and spatial position across the seasonal migration belt of the Intertropical Discontinuity (ITD) region (Wuyep and Rampedi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Wuyep, and Akinseye, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). The study area has a wet-and-dry tropical rainy (AW) climate, as classified by Koppen (1923). Jos is characterized by a mean annual rainfall of 1,260 mm and a peak between July and August, while the mean annual temperature is approximately 22\u0026deg;C (Alfred, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). Six settlements were randomly selected from both Jos south (Bukuru town, Gyel, Dadin Kowa) and Jos North (Bauchi Ring Road, Millionaires quarters, Tudun Wada). A random sampling method was used to administer questionnaires to 600 respondents, and 100 questionnaires were administered to each of the settlements. Both descriptive and five-point Likert scale statistics were used to analyze the data.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS AND DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComponent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e311\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e289\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e127\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e258\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u0026ndash;50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u0026ndash;60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e492\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLevel of Education\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSecondary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTertiary education\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e278\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e show the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. Approximately 52% of the respondents were female, while approximately 48% were male. This shows that females are the dominant group in terms of handling waste in the environment. Females are closer to the environment and engage in environmental management by cleaning the environment, especially in terms of garbage disposal (Wuyep, Vincent, Arin, Daloeng and Baminda, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Tadesse and Hadgu, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Kiboigo, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Twenty-one percent of the respondents were aged between 20 and 30 years, 43% were aged 31 and 40 years, 18% were aged 41 and 50 years, and 18% were aged 51 and 60 years. This shows that most of the age groups engaged in waste disposal in the study area are adults aged 31\u0026ndash;40 years. Age plays a vital role in environmental issues, as maturity might affect the level of awareness of environmental health and waste management. Similarly, 14% of the respondents were single, 82% were married, and approximately 4% were divorced. A high proportion (82%) of respondents indicated that they were responsible for waste management and disposal. Additionally, approximately 15% of the respondents had no formal education, approximately 39% had secondary education, and 46% had tertiary education. This indicates that most of the respondents are educated and thus may be aware of the environmental impact of waste disposal. Longe, Longe and Ukpebor (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) suggested that education level helps influence how much exposure, knowledge and perception a respondent has of waste generation and management in society. These findings are consistent with the work of Tadesse and Hadgu (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e), who noted that educated people contribute more significantly to bringing about a gap between the environment and development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFactors Contributing to Poor Solid Waste Disposal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComponents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrongly agree\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeutral\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrongly disagree\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDisagree\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eI Inadequate awareness and\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eeducation regarding waste\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003edisposal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e300 (50)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e264 (44)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24 (4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDistance to disposal site\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e588 (98)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInadequate waste disposal\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003efacilities\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e600 (100)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, 50% of the respondents strongly agreed that there was inadequate awareness and education regarding waste disposal. Conversely, 98% strongly agreed that distance to disposal sites is a factor hindering waste disposal. Similarly, all the respondents strongly agreed that inadequate waste disposal facilities are factors contributing to poor solid waste disposal. Kabiru (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) suggested that the distance to disposal sites is one of the major challenges faced by respondents in Kano city. He further noted that proper health education and sensitization within the community can improve individuals\u0026rsquo; level of knowledge of proper solid waste management. Knowledge of the nature of wastes is important for the waste management process. This approach can help waste managers deal with different types of waste in appropriate ways and reduce the potential negative impacts of waste handling and handlers (Nadi, 2009, Shamshiry, et al., 2011).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows the waste disposal methods used in the Jos metropolis. Approximately 36% of the respondents dispose of their waste by roadside (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, A), approximately 4% dispose of it through burning/incineration within the compound, 56% dispose of it waste at nearby bushes (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, B), and 5% dispose of their waste at public dumpsites. Conversely, neither was involved in recycling the waste, and no waste collector collected the waste for disposal. This shows that most of the respondents dispose of their waste indiscriminately within the environment. However, indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes can affect the environment and public health directly or indirectly. The health impacts of poor solid waste disposal depend on the type of exposure, nature of the waste, and proximity of the disposal site to human settlements (Kabiru, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). These findings are consistent with the work of Aliyu (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e), Muktar (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e), and Pate (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e), who noted that solid waste disposal in many Nigerian cities is responsible for many environmental and health problems in cities such as Kano, Lagos, Abakaliki and Onitsha. Inappropriate garbage disposal of solid waste leads to toxic pollutants, groundwater contamination and surface water pollution; odor emission; and breeding places for rodents and insects such as flies and mosquitoes (Kabiru (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Ofodeme, Elendu, Nnodim, Tokung and Mashi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Abir, Datta, and Saha, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Aliyu (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e) reported that poor solid waste disposal is responsible for the transmission of diseases, especially to neighborhoods around solid waste dump sites. Aydin (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) revealed that the impact of natural and human activities on solid waste disposal sites has a significant effect on water quality. According to the report of Sujauddin (2008), significant findings on the impact of solid waste dumpsite at Dandora on environmental pollution and impact on public health have been reported because the findings show traces of high levels of heavy metals and other contaminants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe WHO (2018) reported that indiscriminate waste dumping could negatively affect environmental esthetics. Uncollected waste pollutes surrounding air, constituting a health risk and contaminating ground water, especially where the use of well water for drinking is common. Buried hazardous domestic wastes can filter down through the soil and contaminate groundwater. Hazardous liquids on the ground can poison soil and plants (EPA, 2004).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerceptions of Respondents on the Environmental Impact of Poor Solid Waste Disposal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComponent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrongly agree (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeutral\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrongly disagree\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDisagree\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor solid waste disposal is related to disease transmission\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e600 (10)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBad/offensive odor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e588 (98)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12 (2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDirty environment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e594 (99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 (1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor solid waste disposal is responsible for pest infestations\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e480 (80)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60 (10)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18 (3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42 (7)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0 (0)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom the analysis in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, all (100%) respondents strongly agreed that poor solid waste disposal is related to diseases transmission, 98% strongly agreed that bad/offensive odors emanate from solid waste, hence polluting the environment, 99% strongly agreed that solid waste creates a dirty environment, and 80% of the respondents strongly agreed that poor solid waste disposal is responsible for pest infestations in the area. This indicates that respondents in the study area are knowledgeable about the impact of poor solid waste disposal on the environment and its health implications. These findings are consistent with Longe, Longe, and Ukpebor (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) and Ogundele, Opeagbe and Abiodun (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), who reported that respondents are aware of the effects of poor solid waste disposal related to disease transmission, such as malaria, cholera and diarrhea. This finding is in line with the results of Rhule (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e) on resident perceptions of poor solid waste disposal practices in the Sokoto metropolis in Nigeria. He highlighted that many residents who dispose of solid waste indiscriminately have a poor understanding of its implications. To overcome the solid waste crisis, individuals\u0026rsquo; conscience needs to be improved through environmental awareness and education on waste management (Yoada, 2014; Aliyu, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study assessed the environmental impact and awareness of waste disposal in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State. The study revealed that females are more engaged in environmental management than males are. Inadequate awareness and education about waste disposal are noted among respondents despite their level of education. However, the distance to the point of disposal and inadequate disposal facilities are major factors limiting proper waste disposal in the study area. In addition, the findings indicate that respondents are knowledgeable that poor solid waste disposal creates a dirty environment, leads to pest infestations and spreads diseases among communities. Nevertheless, respondents are aware that bad and offensive odors pollute the environment and hence affect their health.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the government and relevant stakeholders review and strengthen solid waste management policy to ensure the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste. Vigorous community mobilization of health education messages to community members should be planned and implemented regularly using media sources such as television and radio to increase awareness of the impact of poor solid waste disposal. Seminars should be organized by governmental and nongovernmental organizations for residents of the study area, as this would help them change their attitudes and behaviors toward proper waste management. In addition, regular environmental monitoring by the Ministry of Health and Environment should be used for physicochemical analysis of underground water closer to solid waste disposal sites to detect evidence of contamination. Consequently, monthly sanitation exercise should be reintroduced to curtail environmental contamination and indiscriminate the dumping of waste. Thus, strengthening waste collection and disposal infrastructure, promoting waste segregation, and providing adequate containers within communities can promote regular waste disposal and reduce the distance to disposal sites. Overall, authorities should promote recycling initiatives, encouraging both the government and the private sector to boost recycling, which would reduce waste in the community.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003ePlateau State University, Bokkos, Nigeria granted ethical approval for this study involving humans. All subjects gave informed consent for inclusion before participating in the study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbila, B. and Kantola, J. (2013). \u003cem\u003ePeople\u0026rsquo;s perception on household solid waste management in Ojo local Government area in Nigeria\u003c/em\u003e. Unpublished Thesis Nasarawa State University.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbir, T. M., Datta, M. and Saha, S. R. (2023). Assessing the factors influencing effective municipal solid waste management system in Barishal Metropolitan Areas. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Geoscience and Environment Protection\u003c/em\u003e, 11, 49-66.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAchankeng, E. (2013). \u003cem\u003eGlobalization, urbanization and municipal solid waste management \u003cbr\u003e in Africa. University of Adelaide\u003c/em\u003e: African studies association of Australasia and the pacific conference. 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Urban solid waste management in Kanpur: opportunity and perspectives. \u003cem\u003eHabitat International\u003c/em\u003e, 32, 58\u0026ndash;73.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Environmental, Waste Disposal, Impact, Awareness, Pollution","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4970352/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4970352/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eRapid development and population growth have led to a surge in waste generation. Noncompliance with best practices for environmental waste disposal has led to escalating environmental impacts; however, this practice has drastic public health risks in the Jos metropolis. A random sampling method was used to administer questionnaires to 600 respondents. One hundred questionnaires were administered to the six settlements selected. Both descriptive and five-point Likert statistics were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that females are more engaged in environmental management than their male counterparts. There is inadequate awareness and education about waste disposal among respondents, distance to the point of disposal and inadequate disposal facilities are major factors influencing proper waste disposal. In addition, the findings indicated that respondents are knowledgeable that poor solid waste disposal creates a dirty environment, leads to pest infestations and spread diseases among communities. The results showed that respondents are aware that bad and offensive odors pollute the environment and hence affect their health. It is recommended that communities should be educated on proper waste disposal and its health impact and that environmental monitoring by ministries of health and the environment be conducted for physicochemical analysis of underground water which are closer to solid waste disposal sites to detect evidence of contamination. Monthly sanitation exercise should be reintroduced to curtail environmental contamination, strengthen waste collection and provide adequate containers within communities at short intervals, encouraging both the government and the private sector to increase recycling.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Assessment of the Environmental Impact and Awareness of Waste Disposal in Jos Metropolis Plateau State, Nigeria","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-09-02 12:59:43","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4970352/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"c82ee27a-f2e2-4085-aca9-3428a15fa0b0","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 2nd, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":36528274,"name":"Environmental Policy"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-09-02T12:59:43+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-09-02 12:59:43","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4970352","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4970352","identity":"rs-4970352","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}