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The descriptive cross-sectional study assessed contributions of Youth Environmental Scout (YES) clubs toward sustainable environmental programs in selected schools in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria. It involved administration of questionnaires, in-depth interviews and observation checklists and results were analyzed using SPSS 10 software package. Results indicated deplorable state of infrastructure particularly basic amenities like water, excreta disposal, and waste management. Noise pollution was mainly due to vehicular traffic (40, 40%). However, Environmental Awareness (EA) in the three schools studied increased dramatically since the establishment of YES clubs. Waste recycling was found to be significantly associated (p less than 0.001) with the level of environmental awareness. Therefore, having YES clubs in schools would increase awareness and good environmental practices which key elements of environmental education. (Contains 3 tables and 6 figures.)

Cassava processing generates large quantities of wastes which contribute significantly to environmental pollution. These wastes are abundant and inexpensive feedstock for bioethanol production that are available all year round in every region in Nigeria. Despite their wide availability, optimal generation of bioethanol from these wastes has not been achieved. This study explored the bioethanol yielding potential of single and multi-substrates biomass from cassava processing wastes. Physicochemical characterization of the cassava processing wastes viz: cassava peels (Cp), cassava pulp (Cpu) and cassava wastewater (Cw) revealed the followings: low pH, cyanide, high total organic carbon and organic matter; low total nitrogen and phosphorus content. Among the single substrates, cassava peels (Cp) gave the highest glucose yield (GY), (48.04 mg/g) and total reducing sugars (TRS), (103.44 mg/g) respectively; while the combination of cassava peel, pulp (Cpu) and wastewater (Cw) (CpCpuCw) gave the highest GY (61.67±0.03mg/g) and TRS (111.36±0.04mg/g) among the multi-substrates. The ethanol yield obtained from the substrates at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours of fermentation were: Cp (337.5m³/kg, 354.0m³/kg and 348.6m³/kg), Cpu (249.4m³/kg, 270.6m³/kg and 264.6m³/kg), Cw (86.2m³/kg, 109.2m³/kg and 109.0m³/kg), CpCpu (352.3m³/kg, 386.9m³/kg and 381.5m³/kg), CpCw(339.0m³/kg, 370.6m³/kg and 359.4m³/kg), CpuCw (267.9m³/kg, 279.5m³/kg and 271.2m³/kg), and CpCpuCw (408.7m³/kg, 427.5m³/kg and 410.6m³/kg) respectively. The study revealed that the combination of the three wastes (CpCpuCw) produced the highest GY/TRS and yield of bioethanol among the substrates, while the maximum ethanol yield was obtained at 48 hours of fermentation. Hence bioethanol production from multi-substrates biomass of cassava processing wastes should be fully explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study monitored particulates, gaseous and bio-aersosol pollutants in 211 indoor sites across residential farm settlements in Southwestern, Nigeria between December 2017 to July 2018 covering dry and wet seasons. Gaseous and particulate pollutants were monitored with potable active air samplers for gaseous and particulates, and open-plate sedimentation technique for bacteria and fungi. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (Duncan multiple range test) at p =0.05. The mean seasonal range were: CO (9.22±2.14 - 21.5±3.39 ppm), CO2 (3093.84±603.71 - 4687±1868.06 ppm), PM2.5 (9.27±5.89 - 25.44±8.99 µg/m³), bacteria (202±1.13 - 2770.24±1.27 CFU/m³) and fungi (216±1.13 - 1530.08±1.27 CFU/m³) while the temporal ranges were NO2 (0.03±0.05 - 0.11±0.14ppm), NH3 (0.05±0.05 - 0.15±0.27ppm), PM10 (15.73±7.66 - 35.82±18.28 µg/m³), bacteria (35657.6±18362.4 - 45953.2±8591.07 CFU/m³) and fungi (40477.8±21632.8 - 47913.8±22534.9 CFU/m³).The highest VOCs, NH3, CO2, PM10 and fungi were observed during the wet season while CO, CO2, SO2, TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 displayed the highest in the evening time. Mean VOCs, NH3, CO, O3, CO2, PM10, PM2.5, Bacteria and fungi showed significant variation with season while VOCs, CO, NO2, and TSP varied significantly with time. Settlements with extensive animal husbandry displayed higher NH3, TSP, PM10 and PM2.5, bacteria and fungi load in contrast to where extensive cropping is common. Further research to ascertain the species of bacteria and fungi isolated to serve as early warning system against epidemics is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Source-separation is a solid waste management strategy which aids recycling. This concept is relatively new in Nigeria. The study therefore assessed the effects of a training intervention, education and awareness and provision of a refuse bin on workers' practice of -separation. A validated questionnaire with a 5-point knowledge scale was used to collect data at baseline from two groups made of the Experimental Group (EG) (180) and Control Group (CG) (168) workers respectively in the University of Ibadan on source-separation of solid wastes. A fabricated waste bin with three compartments was placed only at the EG and the workers there were trained on its utilization for source-separation of solid wastes. The CG was left to continue with the usual practice of waste collection without source-separation. At the end of the onemonth intervention, a post-intervention data collection from the two groups was conducted with the same questionnaire used at baseline. Descriptive statistics and t-test were used to analyse data. Findings revealed that the training and provision of a collection bin was effective in facilitating the practice of source-separation among the Experimental Group. Therefore, advocacy, training and provision of refuse bins are needed to promote the adoption of source-separation in the institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faecal sludge which is usually highly laden with pathogenic microorganisms serves as a route of disease transmission especially when used as organic amendment or when it contaminates water sources. Therefore, the present study investigates the effect of thermal treatment on the microbial load of faecal sludge. Faecal sludge samples were collected from two major faecal collection points in Ibadan metropolis, the samples were subjected to chemical (proximate minerals and heavy metals) and microbiological (bacteriological, mycological and parasitological) analysis before and after thermal treatment. The chemical analysis of the faecal sludge samples before and after treatment revealed the presence of heavy metals such as lead, chromium and zinc among others; proximate matter, such as protein, fat and fibre, and minerals contents such as sodium and potassium. Microbiological examination before treatment revealed that the faecal sludge samples had a high microbial load of species such as Bacillus, Salmonella, Aspergillus among others and ova of Ascaris. However, after the thermal treatment of the faecal sludge samples, it was observed that the microbial load was reduced as only spore forming organisms such as Bacillus and Aspergillus could be observed. It was observed that most organisms present in faecal sludge were removed as a result of thermal treatment; this implies that faecal sludge can be made safe for use in agricultural practices by application of thermal treatment. The present study shows the efficacy of thermal treatment in reducing the microbial load of faecal sludge, thereby increasing its chances of been used as organic amendment in agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at documenting the community perceptions on the utilization of an integrated solid waste recycling facility provided by Oyo State Government, Nigeria. The study design was descriptive cross sectional survey and community based. The heads of households (306) at Orita- Aperin, Adekile and Omowumi were administered with semi-structured Questionnaires. A large proportion, 92.8% of the respondents perceived the establishment of the facility as a good and worthy action. Some 74.4% felt that it was easily accessible for them and 60.6% said that they were ready to patronize it if government could involve them in its management. On the segregation of waste for the facility, 74.4% were ready to separate their wastes if government is ready to buy them at an agreed price. Some of them (40.6%) were of the view that government should employ people from the community to operate the plant for its sustainability. The respondents also felt that waste recycling would adequately reduce the problem of air pollution which was hitherto, a problem due to burning of refuse in the neighbourhood. The plant enjoys community acceptability and there is need to promote it through community education, advocacy and social marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to tackle the problem posed by solid wastes (SWs) in Ibadan, an integrated solid waste recycling facility was built in 2004 by the Oyo State government at Orita-Aperin without prior information on SW generated in the area. This study was designed to assess the SWs generated in the area, with a view of sustainability of raw material procurement to the facility. The study involved descriptive survey and laboratory components. An observation checklist was used to assess the operational processes of the recycling plant and document the types and amount of the wastes generated. It was observed that the recycling facility could recycle 6000 kg of organic waste into fertilizer, 2000 kg of nylon/plastic waste, and 1000 kg of scrap metal per day. Solid waste generation rate was assessed as 0.15 kg/person/day. The composition of the organic waste showed: organic carbon (70.2%), total nitrogen (2.6%), total phosphorus (0.34%), C:N ratio (27: 1), lead (0.09 mgkg-1), chromium (0.04 mgkg-1), nickel (0.07 mgkg-1), zinc (0.15 mgkg-1), and cadmium (0.02 mgkg-1), indicating that organic waste is of good quality for composting. This study has identified neighbourhood communities as a potential source of organic and nylon/plastic wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate solid waste management practices in schools in less-developed countries, particularly in major urban communities, constitute one of the major factors leading to declining environmental health conditions. The objective of the authors' descriptive, cross-sectional study was to assess solid waste management problems in selected urban schools in Ibadan, Nigeria. Eight secondary schools with average pupil populations not less than 500 per school were selected randomly. Four hundred questionnaires (50 per school) were administered. In addition, an observational checklist was used to assess the physical environment. Paper and plastics were the most frequently generated wastes. Common methods of solid waste disposal reported were use of dustbins for collection and open burning. Major problems perceived with current refuse disposal methods by the study students were odors, pest infestation, and spillages. Littering and spillages of solid waste were also common features reported. Data suggested inadequate waste management facilities and practices in study schools. The lack of refuse bins may have contributed to waste spillages and the burning practices. Odors may have arisen from both the decay of overstored organic waste rich in moisture and emissions from refuse burning. This scenario poses a community environmental health nuisance and may compromise school environmental quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ambient air pollution remains a major public health hazard in urban communities. In Nigeria, air quality management especially in the urban centres, is fraught with enormous challenges including limited data. We assessed the outdoor respirable particulate matter (PM10) concentration and the pulmonary function status of residents in four selected communities in Ibadan., Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Four locations - Ojoo Park (OP = high traffic area), Bodija Market (BM = commercial area), Oluyole Estate (OE = industrial area) and the University of Ibadan (UI = academic community - reference) - were selected based on varying intensities of urban activity. PM10 levels were recorded in the morning and afternoon for 12 weeks between January and March 2008. Lung function status (FEV1) of 140 randomly selected participants was measured. Daily mean of PM10 levels were compared with WHO guideline limits. Data analysis was done using descriptive, χ(2), ANOVA and Spearman-rank correlation tests at 5% level of significance., Results: For all sites, PM10 concentration was generally higher in the afternoon. The highest daily mean PM10 concentration was recorded at BM, followed by OP, OE and UI. These values when compared with WHO guideline limits showed: BM eightfold > OP sevenfold > OE sixfold > UI fivefold (p < .05). Weekly mean PM10 levels and mean FEV1(obs) gave the following order: UI > OE > OP > BM. There was a significant negative correlation between PM10 burden and FEV1(obs) across the study locations (r =-0.371, p < .05)., Conclusion: Most of the locations with higher particulate burden were observed to have declining lung function status. A longitudinal study to establish more robust associations is advocated.

The Niger Delta area in Nigeria has major oil producing and refining centers that characterized enormous industrial activities, especially in the petroleum sector. These industrial processes release different kinds of atmospheric pollutants, of which there is paucity of information on their levels and health implications. The objective of this study was to determine the ambient levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in communities of a local government area (Eleme) where oil wells, petrochemical installations, a refinery, and a fertilizer complex are located. Respirable particulate matter (PM) in air were collected using Anderson high-volume sampler with PM with aerodynamic diameter > 10 microm (PM10) inlet for collecting filterable, particle-bound PAHs according to standard methods. PAHs were analyzed following standard methods for the 16 World Health Organization (WHO) prioritized components. The results were compared against the levels in another local government area (Ahoada East) with low industrial presence. The average total PAH concentration in Eleme of 9.2 microg/m3 was among the highest in the world; by contrast, the average concentration in Ahoada East was only 0.17 ng/m3. The most prominent PAHs at Eleme were those known to be carcinogenic and included benzo(a)pyrene (1.6 x 10(4) ng/m3 at bubu), benzo(k)fluoranthene (2.4 x 10(4) ng/m3 at Akpajo where a petrochemical is located), pyrene (3.1 x 10(3) ng/m3 at Ogale), and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (9.1 x 10(3) ng/m3 at Akpajo). Data from this study emphasize the need for a comprehensive source apportionment study and an assessment of the health effects of oil production on local communities of Nigeria where no such information currently exists.