Public health implications of Lemna Waste Dumpsite in a Residential Area in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the public health implications of major waste dumpsites in residential areas in Calabar. Two areas were delineated: the dumpsite and control areas. Soil and Talinum triangulare samples were collected separately from these two areas to assess heavy metal concentrations. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined spectrophotometrically. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, Cd, and Ni were determined. Aquestionnaire was administered to 700 residents. The concentrations of Zn, Cu and Fe were beyond the Minimum Permissible Limits (MPL) in the dumpsite area, whereas only the concentration of Zn was beyond the MPL in the control area. Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) of soil indicated high pollution levels (36.4944 and 9.1224, respectively) in the dumpsite area and low levels (9.9435 and 1.23633, respectively) in the control. HEI and HPI were moderate (19.829 and 3.2073, respectively) in the dumpsite area and low (9.2334 and 1.808, respectively) in control. Talinum triangulare, with a low Bioaccumulation Index (BAI) in the dumpsites and control areas (0.6899 and 0.5921, respectively), was a poor bioaccumulation agent. The quality of residential houses was significantly poorer in the dumpsite area. Eight out of ten health complaints investigated were significantly higher in the dumpsite area, with high odds ratios. Significantly, 2 more educated (x² = 123.22, p<0.001, OR = 7.63, CI = 5.04-11.57) and relatively richer (x² = 197.48, p < 0.001, OR = 8.10, 95% CI = (4.86, 13.49)) individuals preferred to live outside the dumpsite area. In conclusion, the implications of dumpsites on proximal residential areas are multifaceted and threaten the overall health of residents. The significant elevations in heavy metal concentrations in dumpsite areas beyond the MPL indicate the urgency of mitigation. Public awareness campaigns to alert the local population to the dangers of living near dumpsite areas are recommended.