Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
In this study, an investigation of solid, liquid wastes disposal sites, their impacts on the environment, the risk posed to clean water and sanitation (Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 6), good health and wellbeing (Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 3) in Minna town, was undertaken. Water samples from streams, boreholes and hand dug wells close to the dumpsites including the raw and treated effluent samples from industry(ies) operating within the area were collected and analysed for physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals. Results showed that the mean concentration values of the physico-chemical and heavy metals parameters analysed during the study period were all within the acceptable limits of NSDWQ and WHO standards for drinking water quality guidelines, except for the concentrations of turbidity at Kuyi village (9.3 NTU and 16.6 NTU) and the downstream close to Maitumbi dumpsite (99.9 NTU) were above the permissible limit of 5NTU. All the Heavy metals except Cadmium comply with the standard. The physico-chemical and heavy metals parameters analysed for effluent samples from the industry are all within permissible limits of FEPA, except chloride and salinity with higher values above the specified limits. The concentrations of heavy metals in the effluent's samples are all below the permissible limits specified by FEPA. It was also observed that wastes generated are dumped in an uncoordinated manner with obnoxious smell emanating from the dumpsites, which invariably end up in surface and groundwater sources in the vicinity, andthis may lead to a disaster if unchecked. It is recommended that government should introduce control measures such as providing good site for wastes dump far away from drinking water sources, as well as monitoring and enforcing strict regulations concerning industrial effluent discharges to be treated before releasing into the environment.
