EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF SOLID WASTE (REFUSE DUMP) ON SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND WATER IN MOSADOLUWA COMMUNITY IN OSOGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Project Abstract

The improper disposal of solid waste, particularly in the form of refuse dumps, has become a significant environmental concern in many communities worldwide. Mosadoluwa community in Osogbo Local Government area is not exempt from this issue, as the accumulation of solid waste in refuse dumps poses potential threats to both surface and underground water sources in the area. This research project aims to evaluate the effects of solid waste, specifically refuse dumps, on the quality of surface and underground water in Mosadoluwa community. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to comprehensively assess the impact of solid waste on water sources. Water samples will be collected from various surface water bodies such as streams, rivers, and ponds in close proximity to refuse dumps, as well as from underground sources such as wells and boreholes within the community. These samples will be analyzed for physiochemical parameters including pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal concentrations, and microbial content to determine the level of water contamination. In addition to water quality analysis, surveys and interviews will be conducted with residents of Mosadoluwa community to gather information on waste disposal practices, community awareness of environmental issues, and any observed effects of solid waste on water sources. The data collected from these surveys will provide valuable insights into the perceptions and experiences of community members regarding the impact of refuse dumps on water quality. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the environmental implications of improper waste management on water resources in urban communities. By identifying the specific contaminants present in water sources near refuse dumps and assessing their potential health risks, this study will provide valuable information for local authorities, policymakers, and community members to develop effective strategies for waste management and environmental protection in Mosadoluwa and similar communities. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal practices in safeguarding water quality and public health in urban areas.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

There 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 PROBLEM

The 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 Study

To evaluate the effects of solid waste (refuse dump) on surface and underground water in Mosadoluwa Community in Osogbo Local Government
To know the hazards of surface and underground water on the healthy living of the inhabitants in the study area.


PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
To 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 STUDY
This project work covers stream water and well water from Modadoluwa Community, Oke-Baale in Osogbo Local Government.

1.5 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This project work could not cover the entire Osogbo metropolis due to the following reasons.

Financial constraints
Time constraints
Mobility