Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The management of solid waste has become a critical issue in many communities, as improper disposal practices can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. This research project focuses on evaluating the effects of solid waste, specifically refuse dumps, on surface and underground water quality in the Mosadolowa community within the Osogbo Local Government area. The study aims to assess the impact of solid waste on water sources in the area and provide valuable insights into potential mitigation strategies. The research will employ a combination of field observations, water sampling, laboratory analysis, and community surveys to gather comprehensive data on the quality of surface and underground water sources in Mosadolowa. Parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, heavy metal concentrations, and microbial content will be measured to determine the extent of water contamination resulting from the presence of refuse dumps. Additionally, the study will investigate the community's perceptions of water quality and their attitudes towards solid waste management practices. By evaluating the effects of solid waste on water quality, this research project aims to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and its implications for environmental and public health. The findings from this study will contribute to the body of knowledge on the impacts of solid waste on water sources in urban communities, particularly in developing countries. Furthermore, the results will provide local authorities and stakeholders with valuable information to develop sustainable waste management strategies that protect water resources and safeguard community well-being. Overall, this research project will shed light on the relationship between solid waste disposal practices and water quality in the Mosadolowa community. By identifying the specific contaminants present in surface and underground water sources near refuse dumps, the study will offer insights into the potential risks associated with improper waste management. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to promote sustainable practices that minimize the adverse effects of solid waste on water resources and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in the Osogbo Local Government area.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTIONThere has been an increasing concern about the environment in which man lives. Solid wastes mount of rubbish, garbage and sewage are being produced everyday by our urban society. Waste is anything which is no longer of use to the disposer. It can also be defined as any unavoidable material resulting from an activity which has no immediate economic demand and which must be disposed of (NISP 2003). In an attempt to dispose of these materials, man has carelessly polluted the environment. Waste is commonly classified into three. These are solid, liquid and gaseous waste.Solid wastes are residual from homes, business and institutions. It refers to as a trash, garbage, rubbish, refuse, discards and throwaways that are no longer relevant to the disposer. For examples broken bricks, broken glass and bottles can, plastics, paper, battery casings, plantain skin and nylon (Adedibu, 1982). In a traditional underdeveloped world, a fact that partly reflects the sampling locations considered in the present work, household wastes are completely biodegradables and homogenous.Consequently, both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials now constitute household wastes. In the past, men thought the environment has an infinite capacity to devour its waste without any ill effects. Recently, however, man’s health and welfare are being affected by environmental pollution. These pollutants are substances present naturally in the environment but when released in significant amount by humans, become toxic.The world health organization (WHO) estimates that more than 20% of the world population (around 1.3 billion people) has no safe drinking water and that more than 40% of all populations lack adequate sanitation (Dastridge and Trent, 1999). Poor water quality is still a significant problem in many parts of the world. It can often limit the use of these vital resources and in more extreme cases can harm human and other life species. Water can also be polluted by substances that dissolve in it or by solid particles and insoluble liquid droplets that become suspended in it (Plant et al; 2001)The quality of water depends on its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Natural water contains impurities whereas pure distilled water has the principal composition of only hydrogen and oxygen. The quality desired for drinking usually needs treatment to bring it up to the desired water which must not contain disease-causing organisms. The impurities in water are usually due to impurities that are found in air, soil, and waste water from communities and industries.The generation of solid waste from household’s industries, markets, abattoirs and shops result in improving the standard of living of the inhabitants. These solid wastes can as well contaminate ground water (Meadows, 1995). These leachates consist largely of solids, microbial organisms and in some situations, chemicals and shallow wells are more dangerously polluted (Meadows, 1995).This project presents findings on the effects of households wastes on ten wells and a stream sited within and around Oke-Baale area in Osogbo Local Government especially those households close to the stream to determine the effects of household wastes on ground and surface water qualities. These wells also serve as sources of drinking water in Mosadoluwa Community, Oke-Baale in Osogbo Local Government. Three samples of the stream water at different point and ten wells were analyzed using physical, chemical and biological parameters as indices.1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMThe problem of the study is the health hazard noticeable among the inhabitants of the study area due to the wells and surface water the inhabitants are drinking in the area.Aims and Objectives of the StudyTo evaluate the effects of solid waste (refuse dump) on surface and underground water in Mosadoluwa Community in Osogbo Local GovernmentTo know the hazards of surface and underground water on the healthy living of the inhabitants in the study area. PURPOSE OF THE STUDYTo determine the quality of the well water and stream water, the contaminant present and their effects on people consuming the waters in different forms in the area.SCOPE OF THE STUDYThis project work covers stream water and well water from Modadoluwa Community, Oke-Baale in Osogbo Local Government.1.5 LIMITATION OF THE STUDYThis project work could not cover the entire Osogbo metropolis due to the following reasons.Financial constraintsTime constraintsMobility