ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to assess the environmental and health effects of solid waste disposal at Ikhueniro community, Uhunmwode local government area, Benin city, Edo state. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was adopted for the study. Data was collected from nearby household residents less than 250m and far away household residents greater than 250m from Ikhueniro dumpsite through questionnaires and interviews through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire from four hundred and three (403) respondents using a simple random sampling technique. Data generated were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 26.0) and the results were presented in tables. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability index of the questionnaire. A reliability index of 0.709 was obtained indicating that the questionnaire is good. The study unveiled the environmental repercussions experienced by residents living in close and far proximity from Ikhueniro dumpsite. 96 (47.76%) nearby residents and 86 42.5%) faraway residents, indicated that their surroundings was smelling, 83 (41.29%) nearby residents and 71(35.1%) far away residents stated that the environment was dirty, 22 (10.95%) nearby residents and 45 (22.2%) far away residents think that their environment is filthy. The study also investigates the prevailing solid waste disposal practices among residents. 57 (28.36%) indicated open dumpsite, 82 (40.80%) burning, 39 (19.40%) burying, 15 (7.49%) throwing in drains, and 8 (3.98%) throwing in the bush. For far away residents, 33 (16.34%) indicated open dumpsite, 103 (50.99%) burning, 49 (24.26%) burying, 12 (5.94%) throwing in drains, 2 (0.9%) throwing in the bush and others 3 (1.49%). It was also gathered from this study that the types of diseases affecting nearby households included malaria being the most prevalent with 73 (36.32%) respondents indicating it, typhoid 24 (11.94%), cholera 11 (5.47%), and diarrhea 6 (2.99%). For far away residents, malaria 58 (28.71%), typhoid 36 (17.82%), cholera 24 (11.88%), and diarrhea 10 (4.95%). This research also gauges the opinions of respondents regarding the sources of information on cleanliness and solid waste management. 83 (41.29%) nearby residents and 62 (30.69%) of far away residents think the dumpsite should be managed properly, 58 (28.86%) of nearby residents and 71 (35.15%) of far away residents think the dumpsite should be relocated, 31 (15.42%) of nearby residents and 38 (18.81%) sort their waste and recycle, 17 (8.46%) of nearby residents and 22 (10.89%) use sanitary landfill method for waste disposal, and 12 (5.97%) of nearby residents and 9 (4.46%) think the waste should be burned.
