Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Riad el Solh, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Environ Monit Assess. 2024 Nov 1;196(11):1148. doi: 10.1007/s10661-024-13357-9.
Effective solid waste management is a critical environmental challenge, particularly in rapidly growing Global South countries like Nigeria. This issue is exacerbated by burgeoning populations, lax waste regulations, and the widespread practice of open dumping. The deterioration of soil quality and alteration of water quality are major consequences of open waste dumping, posing significant environmental and public health risks. This study aims to assess the environmental risk and pollution status of soil and water resources near major dumpsites in Lagos. It aims to offer insights that can inform targeted interventions and policy measures not only in Lagos but also in comparable urban settings worldwide. Results indicated that important soil parameters, including TN (11.89-13.83 mg/kg), pH (6.45-7.35), sulfate (36.71-39.49 mg/kg), phosphate (9.31-14.39 mg/kg), and electrical conductivity (342-566 µS/cm), were significantly affected by the dumpsites. Additionally, concentrations of heavy metals varied, with some exceeding permissible limits set by international standards, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by improper waste disposal in urban settings like Lagos. The analyzed parameters for water were mostly within acceptable limits, indicating a lesser impact of the waste dump on water resources. Water samples from boreholes and hand-dug wells near three dumpsites showed that pH, TDS, and heavy metal concentrations were mostly within WHO limits, with borehole water deemed safe for drinking and hand-dug wells suitable for cleaning. To alleviate the environmental impacts of open dumpsites, it is recommended to implement effective waste segregation, recycling programs, controlled landfilling, and investment in waste treatment technologies, along with regular water quality monitoring to prevent further pollution and protect public health. While these measures offer opportunities, they also face significant challenges due to financial and land constraints. Therefore, strong public awareness, infrastructure investment, and government commitment are essential, along with coordinated efforts among the government, private sector, and communities.
有效的固体废物管理是一个具有挑战性的环境问题，特别是在尼日利亚等快速增长的全球南方国家。人口增长、废物法规宽松以及广泛的露天倾倒做法使这一问题更加严重。露天垃圾倾倒导致土壤质量恶化和水质改变，对环境和公共健康构成重大风险。本研究旨在评估拉各斯主要垃圾场附近土壤和水资源的环境风险和污染状况。旨在为拉各斯乃至全球类似城市环境提供有针对性的干预和政策措施的信息。结果表明，重要的土壤参数，包括 TN（11.89-13.83mg/kg）、pH（6.45-7.35）、硫酸盐（36.71-39.49mg/kg）、磷酸盐（9.31-14.39mg/kg）和电导率（342-566µS/cm），受垃圾场的显著影响。此外，重金属浓度各不相同，有些超过国际标准规定的允许限值，突出了像拉各斯这样的城市环境中废物处理不当带来的环境挑战。分析的水样参数大多在可接受范围内，表明垃圾场对水资源的影响较小。来自三个垃圾场附近的钻孔和手挖井的水样表明，pH 值、TDS 和重金属浓度大多在世界卫生组织的限制范围内，钻孔水被认为可安全饮用，手挖井适合清洁。为减轻露天垃圾场的环境影响，建议实施有效的废物分类、回收计划、控制填埋和投资废物处理技术，同时定期进行水质监测，以防止进一步污染和保护公众健康。虽然这些措施提供了机会，但由于财政和土地限制，它们也面临着重大挑战。因此，强烈的公众意识、基础设施投资和政府承诺，以及政府、私营部门和社区之间的协调努力，都是必不可少的。
