Characterisation of Solid Waste and Pollution Assessment in University of Benin and University Of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study evaluated the nature of refuse and heavy metals concentrations in the refuse dump soils at the University of Benin and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Waste characterization was done by sorting the refuse, while the concentrations of heavy metals were determined by collecting soil samples at the randomly selected refuse dumps at 15cm depth using an auger which were taken to the laboratory for analysis. Different types of refuse were encountered such as paper, plastic, rubber, bottles, polythene bags, diapers, foam, food remnants and other combustible miscellaneous waste materials. The findings showed that paper, polythene bags, food remnants, plastics, diapers and glasses were among the most common. It also revealed that Cadmium (Cd) was above the permissible limit of WHO and FEPA in refuse dumps 5, 8 and 9. The concentrations of Zinc were higher than the WHO acceptable limit in all the samples while Chromium in all the samples exceeded FEPA threshold of 0.20 mg/kg. The refuse found in the refuse dumps had the potentials to be recycled and the concentrations of some of the heavy metals found have potentials for health hazards to humans. Therefore, relevant authorities of the institutions should ensure that safe management of refuse is practiced for a safer environment.