ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH IMPACTS OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AT LEMNA REFUSE DUMP IN CALABAR MUNICIPALITY, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Dr. Ushie, Augustine Onyi

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ORCID 0009-0007-5352-7796

Department of Environmental Education, University f Calabar

Dr. Ime Edet Sam

ORCID 0000-0001-5527-8294

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Department of Environmental Education, University f Calabar

Abstract

The study examined the environmental and health impacts of solid waste disposal at Lemna Refuse Dump in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. The projected population of the research area is 323,816 inhabitants. Environmental impacts examined included air pollution, water and soil contamination, unpleasant odour, and environmental degradation, while health impacts focused on respiratory problems, skin irritation, gastrointestinal illnesses, and other waste-related conditions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, involving 400 respondents selected from communities surrounding Lamna Refuse Dump through multistage sampling Approach. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire titled Environmental and Health Impacts of Solid Waste Disposal Questionnaire (EHISWDQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Environmental Education, Public Health, and Measurement and Evaluation, while reliability was established using Cronbach Alpha with average reliability coefficient of .87. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis was used to test hypotheses at the .05 significance level. The result of data analyses showed a significant impact of solid waste disposal at Lemna Refuse Dump on the environment and health of the residents of Lemna community and it environ in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. The researcher therefore recommended an improved waste collection, proper disposal, environmental monitoring, public health education, and sustainable waste management in the study area

Keywords: Solid Waste Disposal, Environmental Impact, Health Impact, Refuse Dump, Environmental Pollution, Public Health, Lemna, Calabar Municipality. DOWNLOAD PDF