# Extracted text from epe_olusosun_air_quality_2024.pdf

Okafor et al. J. Agri. Environ. Sci. 9(1), 2024
Research Article
Comparative assessment of air quality in Epe, and Olusosun dumpsites of Nigeria
Chinenye Lilian Okafor*1, Felix Sunday Chukwu1 and Michael Adetunji Ahove1
1Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development, Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos, Nigeria,
*Corresponding author: chinenyeokafor2017@yahoo.com
Received: November 3, 2023; Received in revised form: February 17, 2024; Accepted: April 4, 2024
Abstract: A comparative assessment of air quality in Epe and Olusosun dumpsites was carried out with a view to
understanding if the historical background of dumpsites had an influence on their perceived impacts on the
environment as well as their emission concentrates. Primary data was collected through questionnaire
administration and the use of portable emission monitoring instruments. A total of 120 copies of self-designed
interview questions were administered for the study but 116 were retrieved from both dumpsites and considered
valid for the analysis. On the other hand, data collection with a portable air quality monitor was carried out during
the month of October 2022. Sampling was done between 10 am and 1 pm. A 60-minute exposure time was observed
with each of the instruments (AEROQUAL 500 Series) to measure Carbon dioxide (CO ), Methane (CH ), Oxides of
2 4
nitrogen (NO), Sulfur dioxide (SO ) and Carbon monoxide (CO) and sizes of suspended particulate matter (PM
x 2 2.5
and PM ) were measured using handheld particulate matter monitoring equipment (AEROCET 531S by Met One
10.0
Instruments). Within this time belt, the readings were taken three (3) times and averaged to get a value for the time
belt using descriptive statistics. The result indicated high concentrations of CO , CH and PM during the early
2 4
hours of the day and gradually decreased as the day went by at both dumpsites. The concentration of SO was
2
higher at Olusosun dumpsite on day 5 when temperature and relative humidity were high from 12 noon. NO was
x
detected at both dumpsites at a minimal concentration. In conclusion, higher concentration levels recorded in all
analysed gas samples collected from the Olusosun upland dumpsite suggested that the only historical component
that could have influenced the dumpsite was “the age of dumpsite” since it is way older than the Epe wetland
dumpsite. The topographical nature of the dumpsites (upland and wetland) appears not to have an impact on the air
quality values measured. The perception of residents in both dumpsites showed that they were concerned about
living and carrying out daily operations in and around the dumpsites.
Keywords: Air quality, Climate change, Dumpsite, Landfill, Municipal waste, Pollution
Citation: Okafor, C.L., Chukwu, F.C., and Ahove, M.A. (2024). Comparative assessment of air quality in Epe, and
Olusosun dumpsites of Nigeria. J. Agric. Environ. Sci. 9(1): 50-60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20372/jaes.v9i1.9053
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
1. Introduction identify the potential changes in air quality as a result
Air quality assessment; a process of evaluating the of emissions from potential sources of pollutants like
integrity of air within a given environment is a landfill sites (Air Pollution Impact Assessment,
mechanism which aids the efficient use of air 2015).
resources in the following ways: identification,
prediction, and evaluation of critical variables, to
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According to Vincent & Obisesan (2014) and Rim- The Epe dumpsite is situated on a wetland that
Rukeh (2014), landfilling is the most common and supports a diverse population of reptiles, amphibians,
environmentally safe method of disposing of birds, and mammals which greatly added to the
municipal solid wastes that cannot be reduced, biodiversity of the area before it was converted to a
recycled, composted, combusted, or processed. dumpsite. It is a well-known fact that wetlands act as
However, landfills threaten the environment through the kidneys of every landscape, helping to keep the
toxic pollutants emitted into the air which are mostly overall ecosystem healthy by cleaning water and
a result of the biodegradation of organic materials in removing pollutants. As these wetlands are lost so
them. Several researchers have examined the also are their functions. The Epe dumpsite location
concentrations of pollutants and their effect on the was originally intended for the construction of an
environment. Waste Management International integrated waste management facility which was
(2015) conducted an investigation to study the effect designed to comprise a material recovery facility
of Kettle man waste disposal facilities on the air (MRF) for retrieval of recyclable materials like
quality in California, United States of America. The bottles, plastics, and others; a compost plant to
investigation revealed that the waste facility had no capture and manage the organic fractions in the waste
impact on the air quality within the vicinity of the stream and a sanitary landfill to receive the residual
community. In 2015, Njoku studied the effect of fractions not already recovered upline. The site was
waste dumpsites on the quality of air in Abakaliki, on different occasions recognized for different
Nigeria. The study revealed that the dumpsite concerns, including its location on the wetland,
considered has not really impacted negatively on the proximity to proposed airports and others.
air quality in Abakaliki. In 2007, Elaigwu et al.
Similarly, the Olusosun dumpsite is upland and the
studied the impact of municipal waste dumps on the
most active of all the dumpsites in Lagos state. It
surrounding air quality in Zaria and Kaduna, Nigeria.
happens to be the oldest dumpsite and located right at
The study revealed that the constant burning of
the Centre of Lagos Metropolis. Olusosun dumpsite
dumpsites could contribute significantly to the
was identified and used by the Nigerian Military in
concentration of heavy metals in the environment.
the 1960's and 70's as a shooting range for
Rim-Rukeh in 2014 assessed the contribution of
condemned Armed Robbers and coup plotters alike.
municipal solid waste dumpsite fire to atmospheric
The site was later excavated and turned into a soil
pollution using five dumpsites in the Niger Delta area
mining area to provide filling materials for roads and
of Nigeria. The assessment showed that the dumpsite
the foundation of new building development. The
fire in the study areas could threaten the health of
Olusosun site was traversed by a large, burrowed pit
anyone especially the dumpsites workers who are
which resulted from the long-time uncontrolled
regularly exposed to the thick smoke. According to
excavation and mining by most developers from all
the World Health Organisation, (WHO) (2018) and
parts of Lagos Metropolis. This site was later
the World Bank (2022), air pollution is the
identified and selected by the Lagos State Waste
contamination of the air we breathe, indoors or
Management Agency (LAWMA) for a dumpsite and
outdoors, by any chemical or biological agent that
the dumping of waste as well as scavenging of
modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere
recoverable materials has been on-going since 1992.
is an important determinant of health and wellness.
The dumpsite was further recognized by the World
Ahove et al. (2020) and several other scholars have Bank as a dumpsite that attracts desirable attention
carried out an air quality assessment within the for upgrading under the World Bank- Assisted
vicinity of the Olusosun dumpsite (which is reported program, Lagos Metropolitan Development and
to be the largest dumpsite in West Africa) in Lagos Governance Project (LMDGP). Also, the dumpsite
Nigeria, however, it is evident from the previous benefitted from upgrading and capturing the Landfill
works that the effect of dumpsite on air quality within gas under the design, build and operate (DBO)
the vicinity of the Epe dumpsite has not been carried arrangement as part of the Lagos State Solid Waste
out. Management Plan.
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Okafor et al. J. Agri. Environ. Sci. 9(1), 2024
Landfills and Dumpsites in the world remain a source Longitude 3.38188E and 3o22’54.78204’’ (Figure 1).
of environmental and public health concern. This is Olusosun dumpsite is in the Onigbongbo Local
due to their adverse implication for public health, air Government area of Lagos State It is the most active
quality, surface and ground water quality, global of all the dumpsites in the Lagos area and has
warming and climate change. Landfill gases received about 50% of the total waste in the Lagos
generated from dumpsites pose a significant threat to area since 1992. It is the second largest dumpsite by
the environment and human health. From the size, covers a land area of about 42.7 hectares and
perspective of the environment, landfill gases are has a residual life span of 5 years. It receives over
sources of air quality degradation with characteristic 6000 tons of solid waste daily (Figure 2). The depth
unpleasant odour from hydrogen sulphide and other of the hand-dug well in the region varies from 3.81 m
gases. The gases particularly methane and carbon- to 30.37 m above the mean sea level. Most of the
dioxide which are greenhouse gases (GHG) are also a hand-dug wells were neither lined nor had properly
source of global warming. Landfill gases are known constructed base or covers. The Geology of the area
to be inhibitors of vegetation growth, as well as being is generally characterized by coastal plain sands
source of explosion (methane) and asphyxiation which form the low-lying gentle sloping upland and
(carbon-dioxide) hazard in confined spaces (Ankeny coastal deposits forming extensive red earths, and
and Stromberg, and Lee & Jones- Lee 1993, Agency loose poorly sorted sands that are mixed with the
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR, abundance of clay. The dumpsite is also a non-
2000). In view of the aforementioned issues, a good engineered landfill and is surrounded by residential
understanding of the air quality within and around the houses, industries, gasoline stations, motor parks and
LAWMA Epe and Olusosun dumpsites is required. automobile repair workshops.
Reliable data and information on the air quality of the
The Epe dumpsite is situated in the Epe Local
dumpsite would not only aid the qualification of the
Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria which lies
interaction of the dumpsite with the air quality but
between Latitude 6033'30'' and 6035'00N and
will also assist in improving the health condition of
Longitude 3055'30'' and 3056'30''E on the northern
the residents as well as mitigate the impact of the
flank of the Coastal Lagos Lagoon (Figure 1). It is
dumpsite on our environment.
underlain by the coastal plain sand (CPS) of the
The aim and objective of this work are to assess the
Dahomey Basin. Epe Wetland dumpsite was opened
effect of Epe and Olusosun dumpsites on the air
on the 12th of February 2009. It is the largest landfill
quality within the vicinities with a view to
by size and covers an area of about 80 hectares. The
establishing any relationship that may exist based on
location is about 5 km on the outskirt of Epe town,
their histories. This will be done by providing real-
along Ibeju/Lekki Epe express way and about 1km
time data on the basic air quality level of both
from the Epe Lagoon (Figure 3). Behind the dumpsite
dumpsites. Specific objectives include: estimating the
is the Afero community and opposite it is the Alaro
concentrations of Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous
City. A geotechnical study undertaken in the Epe
oxides, Sulfur dioxide and Carbon monoxide within
dumpsite in 2012 showed that the clearance between
Epe and Olusosun dumpsites; determining the
the groundwater and the sandy soil averaged 3 m in
perception of the inhabitants to the odor and methane
most areas. The wastes are dumped in both sites
emanating from the dumpsites; determining the
without separation. The waste streams ranges from
historical background of Epe Wetland and Olusosun
domestic, industrial, organic, commercial and
Upland Dumpsites pre waste deposition and how it
construction waste. The sites undergo rehabilitation
affects the concentration of the pollutants.
annually.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Description of the study areas
The Olusosun upland dumpsite is situated between
Latitude 6.5928N and 6’35’34.08936’’ and
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Okafor et al. J. Agri. Environ. Sci. 9(1), 2024
Figure 1: Geological Map of the study areas in Lagos State, Nigeria
Figure 2: Aerial view of Olusosun dumpsite
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Okafor et al. J. Agri. Environ. Sci. 9(1), 2024
Figure 3: Aerial view of Epe dumpsite
2.2. Research design used to select eligible respondents. This involved the
A descriptive survey research design was adopted for selection of participants based on the scavengers
this study in two phases. The first phase involved the available. The study area was first divided into a
collection of air quality data which allowed the number of scavengers on sites and communities were
researcher to determine the amount of pollutant in the selected at intervals. Purposive sampling was used to
selected areas. This phase deployed the use of select participants based on their suitability to
AEROQUAL 500 series portable air monitoring respond and convenience sampling was used based
equipment in detecting the amount of GHGs present on their availability and willingness to participate.
within the selected locations in the communities and For the air quality monitoring assessment, four
dumpsites, the gases detected by the device at sampling points were chosen in each of Epe and
different time intervals at the locations were noted as Olusosun dumpsites. The selection of the sampling
well as the temperature and relative humidity. For the point was based on the assessment to human
second phase, a self- developed assessment interview movement as well as wind direction.
to assess the perception of individuals (residents,
dumpsite staff, truck drivers, waste pickers and 2.4. Data collection and analysis
The procedure for data collection in this study was in
vendors in communities around Epe and Olusosun
two major dimensions, the first was for primary data
neighbourhood) on odour and methane emanating
with interview questions and the second was for
from the dumpsite was done. The interview schedule
primary data using a portable emission monitoring
had a total of 30 items and 4 sections.
instrument. The interview question was distributed
2.3. Sampling procedure across the selected dumpsites in the selected area
The selection of the sampling points was influenced using a one-on-one administration to the respondents
by the number of people who complained about the which ensured that detailed information was recorded
odour (a minimum of 30) to the team of researchers by the researcher. Data collection with the portable
on arrival at their axis, the group so selected by this air quality monitor was carried out during the month
method must be at least within 100 metres distance of October 2022 during the end of the early rains and
from one sampling point to another, availability of at the onset of later rains for the year to allow for
respondents and their willingness to be part of the reliable output. It was done between 10 am and 1 pm.
study. A combination of sampling techniques was A 60-minute exposure time was observed with each
employed for this study. For the interview phase, of the instruments to measure the CO, CO CH NO
2, 4, 2
purposive and convenient sampling methods were and SO , Also, two (2) different sizes of suspended
2
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Okafor et al. J. Agri. Environ. Sci. 9(1), 2024
particulate matter; 2.5 and 10.0 were measured using ranged from 789.6 ppm to 795 ppm. Contrarily, in
handheld particulate matter monitoring equipment Olusosun, a lower concentration of CO was recorded
2
(AEROCET 531S by Met One Instruments). Within during the morning hours ranging from 790 ppm to
this time belt, the reading was taken three (3) times 885 ppm while a range of 799.8 ppm to 1094 ppm
and averaged using descriptive statistics to get a was recorded in the afternoon. The highest
figure for the time belt. The quantitative data concentrations of CO at Olusosun were mostly
2
collected was analysed using the IBM-Statistical recorded on the 5th day (Saturday), where there was a
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24.0; massive dumpsite activity. Double concentration of
IBM Corp Armonk New York). Descriptive statistics CO was also reported around a Solid Waste Dumps
2
such as percentage, mean and standard deviation in Makurdi (Musa et al. 2021) and around Niger
were used to organize and describe the variables Delta region in Nigeria (Rim-Rukeh, 2014). A high
collected. The results of the air quality monitoring concentration of this gas is expected, due to the
were compared with the relevant Nigeria Ambient biological decomposition of huge volume of organic
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of the Federal waste deposited in these sites.
Ministry of Environment and the air quality standards
The mean concentration for CH gas recorded in both
of the World Bank. 4
dumpsites also showed high concentration values
3. Results and Discussion ranging from 0 to 24 ppm in the vicinity of the Epe
3.1. Gaseous pollutants and their concentrations dumpsite, with an increase to as much as 146 ppm
As indicated in Table 1, CO CH and NO , were the recorded at the Olusosun dumpsite (Table 1). Though
2, 4, x
major GHGs detected in both dumpsites and areas these values are well below the 1000 ppm standard
around the dumpsites. H S was also detected while permissible limit, they are well above the average of
2
CO and SO were not detected contrary to 1.14 to 12.17 ppm which was referred as high in the
2
expectations. This may be due to the detection work of Musa et al (2021). Methane being a
capacities of the instrument, which are 0-100 ppm for Greenhouse gas (GHG) with high global warming
SO and 0-25ppm for CO. potential is also a product of the biological
2
breakdown of organic waste components in the
However, the non-detection of CO and SO
2 absence of oxygen in dumpsites. Compared to the
throughout the duration of air quality investigation
concentration in the Epe dumpsite, higher values
and sampling in Epe and Olusosun dumpsites are
recorded in the Olusosun might be a result of thicker
startling, knowing that these gases have been
piles of waste and oxygen deprivation resulting from
consistently reported in previous studies carried out
these piles in the Olusosun, since this site receives
in dumpsites across the country (Rim-Rukeh, 2014;
more organic waste than the Epe dumpsite.
Musa et al., 2021; Ogbemudia et al., 2020). The
absence of CO which is most times associated with Studies showed a concentration of Nitrous oxides
fire incidences and incomplete combustion materials (NOx) to be below the standard permissible limit of
in dumpsites (Rim-Rukeh, 2014) may be explained 0.04 – 0.06 ppm. Similar ranges (0.0 to 0.017 ppm -
by the fact that no fire incidences were visibly Epe dumpsite and 0.003 ppm to 0.017 ppm -
occurring on both study sites throughout the duration Olusosun dumpsite) were recorded, showing no
of this study. significant difference. Higher NO concentrations
2
between 21.0 ppm and 27.3 ppm were recorded in a
Higher concentrations of CO were recorded in the
2 study carried out by Rim-Rukeh (2014) across five
early hours of days in Epe, which was ranged from
municipal solid waste dump sites where fire the
768.5 ppm to 810 ppm while lower in the afternoon
occurrence of incidence is frequent and regular.
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Okafor et al. J. Agri. Environ. Sci. 9(1), 2024
3.2. Percentage distribution of the respondents’ Olusosun dumpsite. This gender representative
demographic characteristics and their eliminates any form of bias. A look at the age of
perception to dumpsite emission respondents indicates that majority of the respondents
Table 2 shows the demographical characteristics of were less than 39 years, an implication that they were
respondents in both dumpsites. A greater majority of more on the youthful side. More respondents were
the respondents from the Epe dumpsites were male also concerned about the living environment close to
while almost equal gender of respondents was seen in the dumpsites in both locations.
Table 2: Demographic characteristics the respondents
Variable Options Epe Dumpsite (%) Olusosun Dumpsite (%)
Sex Male 79.7 56.0
Female 20.3 44.0
Total 100.0 100.0
Age 18 – 28 15.3 10.5
29 – 39 38.9 43.9
40 – 49 27.1 22.8
50 – 59 10.2 19.3
60 & above 8.5 3.5
Total 100.0 100.0
Concern about Yes 54.2 68.4
living close to No 45.8 31.6
the dumpsites Total 100.0 100.0
Out of the 116 participants from both Epe and respondents at both dumpsites was that 74 of 116 said
Olusosun dumpsites, a greater percentage responded they were not bothered about living close to the
in the affirmative to perceiving odour from the dumpsites while 42 shared a contrary perception.
dumpsites (Table 3). The outcome of this result is However, it is worth noting that the majority of the
similar to the findings of Sakawi, Mastura, Jaafar and respondents that claim not to be bothered about living
Mamud (2011) where 94.7% of the total participants close to the dumpsites are the Scavengers working on
(190) from the neighbouring communities confirmed the dumpsites. Another item which was to assess the
that they could perceive the odour emanating from respondents’ perception of ground water
the Pajam and Ampar Tenang Landfill sites in contamination requires a Yes or a No answer. The
Malaysia. How frequently the respondents perceived result showed that a greater percentage of the
the odour was the next item. The results indicate that respondents from both dumpsites believe that their
the time of the day or season of the year did not play ground water is contaminated as a result of the
any role in when they perceived the odour. This location of the dumpsites in their communities. The
peculiar stench has a strong impact on the final item assessed the perception of the respondents
environment, people living on the dumpsite as well as on the effect of the dumpsites on their health. The
those living in the neighbouring communities create greater percentages of respondents in Olusosun
an uncomfortable environment, harbouring diseases dumpsite believed that the dumpsite has a significant
causing vectors such as rodents and flies (Aderemi & impact on their health when compared to responses
Otitoloju, 2012) a common fingerprint of the African from Epe dumpsite.
dumpsites. An interesting result obtained from the
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Okafor et al. J. Agri. Environ. Sci. 9(1), 2024
Table 3: Awareness and Perception of respondents to Epe and Olusosun Dumpsites
Variables Epe dumpsite (%) Olusosun dumpsite
Are you satisfied with the Yes 74 Yes 39
location of the dumpsite in No 26 No 61
your community?
Are you bothered about living Yes 53 Yes 73
close to the dumpsite? No 47 No 27
Do you perceive odour Yes 95 Yes 92
emanating from the dumpsite? No 5 No 8
What time do you perceive the Every time 42 Every time 58
odour? Rainy season 58 Raining season 42
How strong is the odour from Mild 7 Mild 7
the dumpsite? Strong 40 Strong 14
Very strong 53 Very strong 72
No odour 0 No odour 7
Do you think anything can be Yes 54 Yes 73
done to reduce the odour? No 46 No 27
Do you think your ground Yes 88 Yes 88
water is contaminated? No 12 No 12
Does the dumpsite affect your Yes 53 Yes 6 8
health?
No 47 No 32
3.3. Historical background of the dumpsites collaborates with their response in the Table 4 where
A greater percentage of people in both dumpsites they recorded “mining” as a major activity that was
(Table 4) have lived there for a period less than ten taking place at the location before the dumpsite.
years. About 37.3% of the respondents in Epe However, in Epe dumpsite which is relatively
dumpsite lived there above ten years, which was younger about 22% of the respondents perceived lost
established about fourteen years ago. Although the value, which implies that the major activity
site is relatively new, the respondents had enough “farming” is not entirely lost. According to the
knowledge on the questions that followed. On the respondents, there is still room to practice farming
other hand about 43.9% and 31.6% of the activities in and around the Epe dumpsite. As
respondents at Olusosun dumpsite lived for over 10 indicated in Table 4, values at the Epe site have not
and 20 years, respectively. been lost since the inception of the dumpsite.
However, the same cannot be said for the Olusosun
A greater percentage of respondents in Olusosun
dumpsite. Not surprisingly, a greater percentage of
responded that the dumpsite was used for mining
respondents in both dumpsites indicated that no value
purpose before the establishment of the dumpsite Epe
has been gained since the inception of the dumpsites
dumpsite was used for farming. These two activities
instead perceived health impacts on people living
economical activities are notable sources of
close to the dumpsites were recorded mostly as fever,
livelihood for the inhabitants which have been cut off
cough and catarrh, eye irritation, sore throat,
due to the establishment of the dumpsites. A greater
restlessness and breathing difficulty.
percentage (68.4%) of respondents in Olusosun
perceived that these values of the site have been lost
since the dumpsite’s inception (Table 4). This
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Table 4: Respondents’ historical knowledge and perceived impacts of dumpsite location
Variables Options Epe Dumpsite (%) Olusosun Dumpsite (%)
How long do you lived in < 10 years 62.7 56.1
the dumpsite? 10-20 years 22.0 12.3
21-30 years 3.4 22.8
31-40 years 5.1 3.5
41-50 years 3.4 1.8
Above 50 yrs 3.4 3.5
Total 100.0 100.0
For what purpose this Shooting range 14.0 0.0
location used for before it Mining 49.2 25.5
became a dumpsite? Farming 0.0 57.6
No idea 36.8 16.9
Total 100 100
Has there been a loss of Yes 68.4 22.0
value for this location No 31.6 78.0
since it became a Total 100 100
dumpsite
If yes, please mention Aesthetic 1.8 1.7
values that have been lost Property 8.8 6.8
since dumpsite Farmland 17.5 10.1
Electricity 1.8 0.0
None 70.1 81.4
Total 100 100
What natural resources Soil/land 7 16.9
has been lost since Water & air 22.8 37.4
inception of the dumpsite Vegetation 0.0 16.9
Life 7 0.0
None 63.2 28.8
Total 100 100
What natural resources Fertilizer 12.3 10.2
has been gained since Recyclables 3.5 0.0
inception None 84.2 89.8
Total 100 100
What common illness are Fever, cough and catarrh, eye 17.5 16.9
frequently noticed by you irritation, sore throat, restlessness,
or your friends since breathing difficulty
inception Fever, restlessness, cough & catarrh 26.3 25.4
Breathing difficulty & restlessness 28.1 10.2
Cough & catarrh 12.3 18.7
Fever 15.8 28.8
Total 100 100
showing some form of air pollution emanating from
4. Conclusion the dumpsite. CO concentration levels in both
2
The study concludes that apart from CO and SO investigated sites exceeded the standard acceptable
2
which were not detected throughout the duration of limit. Though the concentration levels showed similar
sampling in both study sites. CO , CH , NO , and trend in both dumpsites, higher concentration values
2 4 X
H S all occurred at different concentration levels of CO , CH , H S and PM10 were recorded at the
2 2 4 2
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Okafor et al. J. Agri. Environ. Sci. 9(1), 2024
Olusosun dumpsite, which could be associated with and Environmental Protection. Springer,
the age, volume of the waste and its nearness to Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-
metropolis. The topographical nature of the 5736-1_9
dumpsites (upland and wetland) appears not to have Ankeny and Stromberg, and Lee & Jones- Lee
an impact on the air quality values measured. The (1993). Agency for toxic substances and disease
perception of the residents in both dumpsites is Registry (ATSDR, 2000).
concerned about the living and carrying out their Lagos State Waste Management Authority
daily operations in and around the dumpsites. (LAWMA), (2009). Report of the resettlement
Therefore an extensive public awareness/sensitization action plan for the waste pickers of Solous
program should be carried out on the sources of dumpsite. The resettlement Action Committee.
dumpsite emission, its hazard to human health and Lagos, Nigeria: LAWMA.
the environment coupled with personal efforts to Musa, H. D, Onoja O. O & Santali B. N. (2021). Air
protect residents. A strict enforcement of existing Quality Assessment of Solid Waste Dumps in
legislations guiding air pollution can be put in place Residential Neighborhoods of Makurdi Town.
such as air pollution monitoring stations. Finally, the Environmental Technology & Science Journal
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cooking gas through the participation of the private Njoku, C. (2015). Effect of waste dumpsite on water
sector can be promoted. and air qualities in Abakaliki. Southern Nigeria.
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Data availability statement Ogbemudia, F. O. Anwana, E. D., Ita, R. E. and
Data will be made available on request.
Bassey, I. N. (2020). Air Quality Assessment
along a landfill site in Uyo. NJB, Vol 33(2) 227-
Funding
239.
The authors received no direct funding for this
Rim-Rukeh, A. (2014) An Assessment of the
research
Contribution of Municipal Solid Waste Dump
Sites Fire to Atmospheric Pollution. Open
Conflicts of interest
Journal of Air Pollution, 3, 53-60.
The authors declared that there is no conflict of
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojap.2014.33006
interest.
Sakawi, Z., Mastura, S., Jaafar, O. & Mamud, M.
Acknowledgements (2011). Community perception of odour from
The authors would like to appreciate all the Landfills. Malaysia Journal of Society and Space
respondents of the questionnaire for providing 7(3) 18-23.
information and to the dumpsite managers at Epe and
Olusosun dumpsites for allowing us to work on their
facilities.
References
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assessment of landfill fires and their potential
health effects- a case study of a municipal solid
waste landfill in Lagos, Nigeria. International
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Ahove, M.A., Ojowuro, O.M. and Okafor, C.L
(2020). Assessment of Gases and Perception of
Communities from the Largest Dumpsite in
Africa. In Ghosh S., Bhattacharya C.,
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