Contaminant transport from solid waste dumps: Implications for environmental degradation with a focus on capital territory regions.

Open dumping of Municipal solid waste is the main method of solid waste management in Pakistan. To investigate the impacts of leachate transportation from these waste dumps on groundwater quality, two sites were selected (I-12 in Islamabad and Lohsar in Rawalpindi), water samples were collected from existing wells during summer, winter, and rainy seasons and were analyzed for physiochemical parameters using standard methods. Most groundwater samples showed contamination and values of various parameters exceeded the desired limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ), especially during the rainy season, whereas the least contamination in groundwater samples was observed during the winter season. The results obtained were, pH: 5.75-7.87, Electrical Conductivity (EC): 103-3460 µS cm-1, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 436-4425 mg L-1, Total Alkalinity (TA): 190-1330 mg L-1, Total Hardness (TH): 128-676 mg L-1, Chlorides (Cl⁻): 56.7-893.3 mg L-1, Nitrates (NO3⁻): 7.8-19.9 mg L-1, Dissolved Oxygen (DO): 6.1-20.8 mg L-1, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): 1.0-44.0 mg L-1 and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): 56-272 mg L-1. The findings suggest that the magnitude of groundwater contamination from leachate transportation is intricately influenced by factors such as leachate composition, seasonal variations and distance from the dumpsite. The contamination level reduced along the distance from the dumps. Except Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn), the concentration of all other heavy metals including, Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) was found above standard appreciable limits. The t-test showed a significant difference in parameter concentrations for all seasons except for Cd and Zn. The calculation of water quality index through CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment) model revealed that all the groundwater samples around both the dump sites were of poor and marginal quality. In general, the groundwater quality of both study areas is not suitable for the drinking purpose. The study suggests regular testing and treating groundwater before use, use of engineered landfills, covering landfills with clay and vegetation and use of alternative strategies like composting and recycling for waste management.

Human health risks of metal contamination in Shallow Wells around waste dumpsites in Abeokuta Metropolis, Southwestern, Nigeria.

Metal contamination in shallow wells through solid waste leaching is a serious environmental problem with contribution to global cancer cases. This paper evaluated the health risks of metals in shallow wells around dumpsites in the Abeokuta metropolis, Nigeria. Five dumpsites were purposively selected to sample twenty-five shallow wells. In situ and laboratory analyses for physico-chemical parameters, copper, lead, cadmium, iron, and chromium were conducted following the APHA standard procedure. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for oral and dermal routes were evaluated for adult males and females, children, and infants. Findings revealed that all wells were acidic (pH = 5.82-6.48), with Fe and Cd concentrations above the established limits. The wells around Obada, Obantoko, and Saje dumpsites had high EC (up to 1200 µS/cm), Cu, and Pb concentrations above the permissible limits. Non-carcinogenic risks for oral ingestion were significant for all age groups (hazard index: HI > 1), and the significance level across dumping areas increased in the order: Saje > Obantoko > Obada > Idi-aba > Lafenwa. All wells assessed in Saje and Obantoko recorded significant HI of dermal exposure for children and infants. Cancer risks were significant for all age groups (CR > 1.0E - 04), and metal contributions followed: Cd > Cr > Pb. The overall trend of significant risks for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic via oral and dermal routes is in the order of infant > children > adult female > adult male. This suggests that groundwater users within the studied areas may experience diverse illnesses or cancer in their lifetime, particularly children and infants.

Soil contamination by trace metals and assessment of the risks associated: the dumping site of Safi city (Northwest Morocco).

The main objective of this work was to determine the soil contamination with trace metals within and around the dumpsite of Safi city (Morocco) and to evaluate the potential environmental risk associated. The results showed that the average soil concentrations of trace metals had the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd and exceeded the world and the upper continental background concentrations except for Fe. In addition, the concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Cd remained beyond the limit standards given by the WHO/FAO. Geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, and pollution load index (PLI) indicated that the dumpsite soil is highly contaminated and deteriorated, presenting evidence of high ecological risk proved by the values of the potential ecological risk index (PERI). Correlation analyses revealed a strong relationship between the organic matter & [Fe, Zn, Cr, Cd], calcium carbonates & [Zn, Cr], and Cr & Cu inside the dumpsite soil. Principal component analysis confirmed the temporal and spatial classification of Zone A as the oldest and Zone C as the youngest and indicated that the regrouped trace metals could have the same behavior and or the same origin. The interpolation of trace metals concentrations and PERI revealed a plausible extension outside the landfill, confirmed by PLI values.

Mercury May Pose Higher Ecological and Human Health Risks than Lead in Vegetables Cultivated on Solid Wastes Dumpsites Soils.

Vegetable cultivation on solid wastes dumpsites (SWD) soils is very common in developing countries though unsafe due to heavy metals pollution. In order to evaluate the ecological and human health risks of this practice, Talium triangulare and Lycopersicon esculentum were grown in a greenhouse on soils from two abandoned and active SWD, and control site. The SWD soils were acidic (pH 6.4-6.8), rich in organic matter (10.15%-15.35%) and the heavy metals content patterned Zn > Mn > Hg > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd. Ecological risk was very high ([Formula: see text] = 396.40; RI = 400) for waterworks dumpsite (WWD) and was > 99% attributable to Hg. Pb was not accumulated in either vegetable but Hg levels exceeded FAO/WHO limits. HQ was mostly < 1 except for Hg (0.47-3.42) and Co (0-1.33) while THQ > 1 for T. triangulare and cancer risks exceeded 10-6-10-4 acceptable limits. Regular monitoring and outlawing of vegetable cultivation on SWD is advocated to avert Hg toxicity.

Volcano: Between Structural Vulnerabilities and Collective Defence of Honor in Communities Surrounding an Open Dumpsite.

This study analyzes the dynamics in which structural vulnerabilities are shaped and expressed in the day-to-day lives of people making a living from a garbage dump in Argentina. It is a mixed methods case study, qualitative driven with a collaborative cycle (2016-2021). The study is embedded in medical anthropology, social epidemiology and Latin America Social Medicine, with the focus on the ways people respond to inequalities locally. The findings contribute to the field of health disparities in three directions: 1) the description of patterns of segregation in South America peripheries, shedding light on cumulative disadvantages and multiple exposures; 2) the experience of living enmeshed in places with strong stigmas, revising the ways this source of discrimination become social suffering; and 3) the detection of the impact of collective action and social capital in providing material and symbolic resources for restoring dignity and honour that challenge depreciated status.

Solid waste management and health hazards associated with residence around open dumpsites in heterogeneous urban settlements in Southwest Nigeria.

The existence and multiplication of open dumpsites (ODs) around residential settlements are associated with environmental health outcomes in urbanizing settlements of developing countries. The study assessed existing practice and perceived health hazards of residence around ODs in Nigerian heterogeneous urban settlements. The cross-sectional, mixed-method study administered a validated questionnaire on 195 respondents using a 4-stage sampling technique. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted and analysed by ATLAS.ti software. Continuous and categorical variables were respectively presented by means and proportions; associations among variables were determined by chi-square and logistic regression at Pα<0.05. Seventy-two per cent of the respondents disposed of solid waste in ODs, despite good knowledge (95%) and a positive attitude (85%) on perceived health-hazards. One-sixth (15%) of respondents were willing to pay for waste collection service and 50% considered burning as an alternative to open dumping. The most and least perceived health outcomes were malaria and breathing difficulties. Improved water sources and skin irritations were significant predictors of sound SWM practices.

Pollution potential of dumping sites on surface water quality in Ethiopia using leachate and comprehensive pollution indices.

Municipal solid waste disposed of in illegal dumpsites pollutes the surface and groundwater. However, accurately determining these pollution levels is typically challenging for practitioners and decision-makers in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to use the leachate pollution index (LPI) to assess the contamination potential of uncontrolled dumping sites along the course of the Kulfo River in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. The comprehensive pollution index (CPI) approach was also utilized to assess the suitability of Kulfo River water quality for aquatic species. Leachate samples were collected from four uncontrolled dumping sites along the Kulfo River's course and analyzed for fifteen leachate characteristics necessary to quantify the LPI sub-indices. Water samples were taken from three monitoring stations along the river and examined for aquatic species suitability. When the leachate parameters were compared to the Indian limit for discharge of treated leachate, it was found that dumping sites posed a considerable risk of pollution to adjacent water resources. The overall LPI ranged from 23.34 to 27.35, which is higher than the discharge standard LPI of 5.69, indicating that dumping sites can threaten the surrounding water resources and human health. Based on the rating scale of CPI, at all monitoring stations, the river resulted severely polluted. Finally, appropriate strategies to reduce the pollution and the related mismanagement of solid waste were discussed. Combining LPI and CPI methods can represent a crucial tool for experts and decision-makers in developing countries to evaluate the pollution potential of dumping sites and water resource monitoring.

Mini-review of waste sector greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant emissions in Tyre Caza, Lebanon, using the Solid Waste Emissions Estimation Tool ('SWEET').

In 2020, International Solid Waste Association's (ISWA) Task Force on Closing Dumpsites completed a study of waste sector short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Tyre Caza, Lebanon, using the Solid Waste Emissions Estimation Tool (SWEET). SWEET model runs used data on municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, collection, disposal, and diversion under existing and potential alternative management scenarios proposed in an Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) for Tyre Caza. Waste sector emissions reductions exceeding 45% of baseline levels are achievable by 2030 if all dumpsites are closed and remediated, waste burning stopped, and a new sanitary landfill developed with 60% methane collection and combustion. Additional emissions reduction accrues from implementing the IWMP and upgrading existing waste treatment facilities to increase waste diversion rates from current levels (22% including informal sector recycling) to 40%. Estimates of all of Lebanon's waste sector emissions using SWEET were developed for this mini-review article using published data on the amounts of MSW collected, disposed, and diverted, with adjustments to account for indirect GHG reductions from composting and anaerobic digestion (AD). A 50% reduction in emissions from baseline levels can be achieved by 2034, if by 2025 diversion of collected wastes to recycling, composting, and AD facilities is increased from 14% to 28%, and all residual MSW is disposed in sanitary landfills with 65% methane recovery.

The dynamics of indiscriminate/ illegal dumping of waste in Fisantekraal, Cape Town, South Africa.

Indiscriminate dumping may be considered a 'wicked problem', as it is regarded as a complex, intractable, open-ended problem and it includes rights-based and justice issues. An understanding of the dynamics of indiscriminate dumping may assist with improving the management of indiscriminate dumping. The results show that indiscriminate dumping in Fisantekraal is a serious threat. From the first round of data collection to the last, no dumpsite disappeared despite the efforts of the community to clean up each month. Rather, the formation of new dumpsites and the extension of a few existing ones were evident. The morphology composition of the waste suggests that the main dumpers are the households and spaza shop owners. Conversations and collaboration between the authorities and community are encouraged in order to explore solutions to indiscriminate dumping.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in chicken eggs and cow milk around municipal dumpsites in Abuja, Nigeria.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in electronic equipment, as polymers in vehicles or construction, and in textiles. These additive flame retardants are emerging pollutants in Africa, released by the non-environmentally sound disposal of consumer products, often imported as secondhand, that have increasingly reached their end-of-life in the last decade. In Nigeria, which is a major receiver of e-waste and secondhand cars, there is a dearth of information regarding the levels of PBDEs in the environment, biota, and food. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the PBDE contamination of food samples of animal origin (chicken eggs and cow milk) around municipal waste dumpsites and background areas in Nigeria, to elucidate the role of dumpsites as potential sources of PBDE pollution and exposure in the country. Biological samples were collected over two years from two municipal waste dumpsites in Abuja. Fifty-six samples each of free-range chicken eggs and cow milk were collected. Control samples were collected approximately 5 km away from the dumpsites. After extraction and clean-up, the levels of POP-PBDEs listed in 2009 (major congeners of tetraBDE to heptaBDE), plus BDE-28 (Σ7PBDEs) were determined using GC-ECD. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test at α0.05. Levels of Σ7PBDEs (ng/g lipid weight (lw)) in chicken eggs at the two study sites ranged from 262.3 to 313.4 (ng/g lw), more than one order of magnitude higher than those at the control site in a village near the dumpsites (14.9 ±â€¯3.73 ng/g lw), and two and more orders of magnitude higher compared to PBDE levels in these products in industrial countries and Nigerian supermarkets. Median PBDE levels in cow milk from the two dumpsites were 49.1 and 81.5 ng/g lw, respectively, considerably higher than levels in other studies. Proper disposal methods of waste polymers containing PBDEs such as co-incineration in BAT cement kilns and plastic recycling with separation is urgently needed in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, to prevent open burning as well as crude recycle to reduce PBDE levels in the environment and human food.

The protracted waste crisis and physical health of workers in Beirut: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Since July 2015, Lebanon has been experiencing a waste management crisis. Dumpsites in inhabited areas and waste burning have emerged due to the waste accumulation, further adding to the gravity of the situation. However, the association between the crisis and health of the population has not been scientifically reported. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to assess whether exposure to open dumpsites and waste burning is associated with acute health symptoms. The study sample included 221 male workers between the ages of 18-60 years selected from two areas chosen based on their proximity to a garbage dumpsite and waste burning. 110 workers were exposed to a garbage dumpsite and waste burning, and 111 workers were not. Data were collected via a face-to-face interview using a newly developed validated structured questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used to check for statistically significant differences between exposure and covariates. Multivariable analyses using multiple logistic regression were used to compare health symptoms between exposed and unexposed workers adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The prevalence of acute health symptoms was greater among the exposed workers than the non-exposed workers, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological and constitutional symptoms. Controlling for confounding variables, such as age, insurance, family support, residence near dumpsite, work site, and smoking, a minimum odds ratio (OR) of 4.30 was obtained when comparing the exposed population to those non-exposed. CONCLUSION: The strong association between improper waste management and physical health calls for immediate attention by the government, stakeholders and community members to find optimal solutions for this waste management crisis and set immediate priority interventions such as regular waste collection, volume reduction and recycling performance improvement. However, the long recall period may have underestimated our results.

Planning for the closure of uncontrolled landfills in Turkey to reduce environmental impacts.

Landfilling is the most preferred solid waste disposal method in Turkey owing to both economic and technical reasons. However, beside the sanitary landfills there are also hundreds of uncontrolled waste sites located throughout Turkey, which are often left either abandoned or burning. Because there is a lack of legislative guidelines governing the closure and rehabilitation of these dumpsites, the municipalities that are responsible for waste management do not initiate the proactive strategies required for the closure of these sites. In this study, a method based on a multi-criteria analysis is conducted for different dumpsites in Turkey to evaluate the level of negative impacts on the environment. This method is based on the use of environmental indices for a quantitative assessment of the landfills, such as environmental interaction between the source and the receptors, environmental values of the receptors, and operational conditions. It was possible to assess the robustness of the proposed methodology since the pre- and post-groundwater quality monitoring data was available from the study sites that were closed and rehabilitated in 2014. The results of this study show that the method based on a multi-criteria analysis is an effective tool while in the preliminary planning stages of closure and rehabilitation activities of uncontrolled waste landfills.

A review of heavy metal risks around e-waste sites and comparable municipal dumpsites in major African cities: Recommendations and future perspectives.

In Africa, the effects of informal e-waste recycling on the environment are escalating. It is regularly transported from developed to developing nations, where it is disassembled informally in search of precious metals, thus increasing human exposure to harmful compounds. Africa has a serious problem with e-waste, as there are significant facilities in Ghana and Nigeria where imported e-waste is unsafely dismantled. however, because they are in high demand and less expensive than new ones, old electronic and electrical items are imported in large quantities, just like in many developing nations. After that, these objects are frequently scavenged to recover important metals through heating, burning, incubation in acids, and other techniques. Serious health hazards are associated with these activities for workers and individuals close to recycling plants. At e-waste sites in Africa, there have been documented instances of elevated concentrations of hazardous elements, persistent organic pollutants, and heavy metals in dust, soils, and vegetation, including plants consumed as food. Individuals who handle and dispose of e-waste are exposed to highly hazardous chemical substances. This paper examines heavy metal risks around e-waste sites and comparable municipal dumpsites in major African cities. Elevated concentrations of these heavy metals metal in downstream aquatic and marine habitats have resulted in additional environmental impacts. These effects have been associated with unfavourable outcomes in marine ecosystems, such as reduced fish stocks characterized by smaller sizes, increased susceptibility to illness, and decreased population densities. The evidence from the examined studies shows how much e-waste affects human health and the environment in Africa. Sub-Saharan African nations require a regulatory framework that includes specialized laws, facilities, and procedures for the safe recycling and disposal of e-waste.

Exposure, knowledge, and perceptions of hazards associated with solid waste management at the household level in jigjiga town, northeast Ethiopia.

The goal of this study is to look into household exposure, knowledge, and perceptions of the risks connected with solid waste management in Jigjiga, Ethiopia. Jigjiga is currently grappling with overflowing landfills and limited waste collection, resulting in open dumping and serious health concerns such as disease transmission. The goal of this research is to better understand how Jigjiga residents interact with the waste management system, as well as their perceptions of the health and environmental issues that arise. The study employed a cross-sectional design using a multistage sampling technique. Two kebeles were used to select 200 families living near and far from the dumpsite. Questionnaires were utilized to collect data on demographics, exposure, knowledge, and risk perception. The analysis was carried out utilizing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. A survey of 357 households in Jigjiga, Ethiopia, found concerning trends in solid waste management. 78 % of the population visits the dumpsite on a weekly basis, with the majority residing within a 3-km radius. Almost half (44.5 %) reported monthly visits. Despite this, more than 90 % of locals are aware of the health dangers connected with poor waste management. 72 % of individuals believe that inadequate waste disposal causes to illness, with diarrhea being the most prevalent health concern. This study sheds light on the exposure, understanding, and perceptions of risks associated with solid waste management at the household level in Jigjiga, Ethiopia. The findings highlight the significance of improving solid waste management processes to mitigate the negative consequences on human health, the environment, and the economy.

An identification of optimal waste disposal method for dumpsite remediation using the Fermatean fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method.

Improperly managed wastes that have been dumped in landfills over the years pose various challenges, but they also offer potential benefits. The feasibility of recycling such waste depends on the type of wastes, the condition of dumpsites, and the technology implemented for disposal. The selection of an alternative waste disposal method from the many available options for dumpsite remediation is a complex decision-making process among experts. The primary aim of this study is to assist in an extended multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to reduce complexity in the proposed dumpsite remediation problem influenced by multiple criteria and to identify the optimal waste disposal method. Data uncertainties are managed with the proposed Fermatean fuzzy preference scale, and the importance of all socio-economic criteria is assessed using the full consistency method (FUCOM). The final ranking results of the weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method identify that the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) process could play a significant role in the disposal of land-filled unprocessed wastes, promoting sustainable waste management. Meanwhile, the methodology explores the idea that financial and logistical constraints may limit the feasibility of large-scale recycling efforts. This combination of environmental science and decision science addresses real-world challenges, helping municipal solid waste management authorities implement sustainable waste management practices.

Assessment of legacy and alternative halogenated organic pollutants in outdoor dust and soil from e-waste sites in Nigeria: Concentrations, patterns, and implications for human exposure.

E-waste is often processed informally, particularly in developing countries, resulting in the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. This study investigated the co-occurrence of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including legacy and alternative halogenated flame retardants (10 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), syn and anti-dechlorane plus (DP)), 32 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 12 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), in 20 outdoor dust and 49 soil samples from 7 e-waste sites in Nigeria. This study provides the first report on alternative flame retardants (DBDPE and DP) in Nigeria. The total concentration range of the selected classes of compounds was in the order: ∑10PBDEs (44-12300 ng/g) > DBDPE (4.9-3032 ng/g) > ∑2DP (0.7-278 ng/g) > ∑32PCBs (4.9-148 ng/g) > ∑12OCPs (1.9-25 ng/g) for dust, and DBDPE (4.9-9647 ng/g) > ∑10PBDEs (90.3-7548 ng/g) > ∑32PCBs (6.1-5025 ng/g) > ∑12OCPs (1.9-250 ng/g) > ∑2DP (2.1-142 ng/g) for soil. PBDEs were the major contributors to POP pollution at e-waste dismantling sites, while PCBs were the most significant contributors at e-waste dumpsites. DBDPE was found to be significantly associated with pollution at both e-waste dismantling and dumpsites. Estimated daily intake (EDI) via dust and soil ingestion and dermal adsorption routes ranged from 1.3 to 2.8 ng/kg bw/day and 0.2-2.9 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. In the worst-case scenario, EDI ranged from 2.9 to 10 ng/kg bw/day and 0.8-5.8 ng/kg bw/day for dust and soil, respectively. The obtained intake levels posed no non-carcinogenic risk, but could increase the incidence of cancer at some of the studied e-waste sites, with values exceeding the USEPA cancer risk lower limit (1.0 × 10-6). Overall, our results suggest that e-waste sites act as emission point sources of POPs.

Chlorinated paraffins and dechloranes in free-range chicken eggs and soil around waste disposal sites in Tanzania.

Electronic waste is a source of both legacy and emerging flame retardants to the environment, especially in regions where sufficient waste handling systems are lacking. In the present study, we quantified the occurrence of short- and medium chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) and dechloranes in household chicken (Gallus domesticus) eggs and soil collected near waste disposal sites on Zanzibar and the Tanzanian mainland. Sampling locations included an e-waste facility and the active dumpsite of Dar es Salaam, a historical dumpsite in Dar es Salaam, and an informal dumpsite on Zanzibar. We compared concentrations and contaminant profiles between soil and eggs, as free-range chickens ingest a considerable amount of soil during foraging, with potential for maternal transfer to the eggs. We found no correlation between soil and egg concentrations or patterns of dechloranes or CPs. CPs with shorter chain lengths and higher chlorination degree were associated with soil, while longer chain lengths and lower chlorination degree were associated with eggs. MCCPs dominated the CP profile in eggs, with median concentrations ranging from 500 to 900 ng/g lipid weight (lw) among locations. SCCP concentrations in eggs ranged from below the detection limit (LOD) to 370 ng/g lw. Dechlorane Plus was the dominating dechlorane compound in all egg samples, with median concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.8 ng/g lw. SCCPs dominated in the soil samples (400-21300 ng/g soil organic matter, SOM), except at the official dumpsite where MCCPs were highest (65000 ng/g SOM). Concentrations of dechloranes in soil ranged from below LOD to 240 ng/g SOM, and the dominating compounds were Dechlorane Plus and Dechlorane 603. Risk assessment of CP levels gave margins of exposure (MOE) close to or below 1000 for SCCPs at one location.

Polycarbonate plastic monomer (bisphenol-A) as emerging contaminant in Nigeria: Levels in selected rivers, sediments, well waters and dumpsites.

Despite decades of research into the environmental fate and levels of the endocrine-disrupting polycarbonate Plastic monomer, bisphenol-A (BPA), data remain scarce from many developing countries. Here, occurrence and levels of BPA were investigated in water and sediments of three rivers, selected dumpsites and well waters in Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria. The study also investigated the influence of matrix physicochemical characteristics on their BPA retention. BPA values ranged from 0.41-5.19 µg/L in river waters, 0.64-10.6 µg/kg in river sediments, 0.63-0.68 µg/L in well waters and 0.72-1.09 µg/kg in waste dumpsites. BPA concentrations in the river waters showed a strong association with chemical oxygen demand (COD) values. High BPA concentrations were also found associated with high chloride contents of drinking well waters. Detection in river and well waters revealed exposure routes of humans, cattle and aquatic species to BPA in the region.

Antibiotic and analgesic residues in the environment - Occurrence and ecological risk study from the Sunyani municipality, Ghana.

The presence of five antibiotics (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, and chloramphenicol) and four analgesics (diclofenac, ibuprofen, paracetamol, and caffeine) were investigated in water and soil samples from the Sunyani municipality, Ghana. Liquid samples were collected from hospital effluents, sachet drinking water, municipal waterworks, river Tano, and dumpsite leachates, while soil samples were collected from dumpsites and municipal waterworks. All samples were prepared using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed via an HPLC- PDA method. All antibiotics analyzed, apart from metronidazole, were detected either in soil or water samples. Doxycycline and ciprofloxacin were present in almost all liquid samples. The investigated hospital effluents had antibiotic concentrations of up to 2.93 mg/L for doxycycline and 4.74 mg/L for ciprofloxacin. The highest concentration of any antibiotic found was 8.76 mg/L of amoxicillin in hospital effluents. The maximum concentration of analgesics in liquid samples analyzed was 3.20 mg/L (paracetamol) and 3.00 mg/kg (caffeine) in soil samples. Ecological risk assessment indicated that the pharmaceuticals pose a possible risk to some aquatic organisms. The findings from this study showed the presence of these pharmaceuticals at concentrations that could impact the ecosystem. Consistent monitoring of environmental levels and pursuing the development and implementation of a suitable remediation program is needed.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) concentrations in soil and plants around municipal dumpsites in Abuja, Nigeria.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention. It has been established that PBDEs may be released into the environment during improper handling and disposal of e-waste and other products containing PBDEs that is prevalent in developing countries. This research work assessed the status of PBDE contamination at dumpsites in Nigeria. Soil and edible plant samples were collected from the dumpsites and control sites for analysis. The concentrations of ∑7PBDE in the topsoils around the dumpsites at 0-15 cm depth ranged from 112 to 366 ng/g dry weight (dw) while that of the topsoil of the control site 500 m from the dumpsite ranged from 26.8 to 39.7 ng/g dw. These high concentrations stem likely from open burning of waste including electronic waste on the landfills. Plant samples (bentgrass, spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin and sweet potatoes) around the dumpsites were found to be contaminated by PBDEs with levels ranging from 25.0 to 60.5 ng/g dw in plant roots and from 8.45 to 32.2 ng/g dw in plant shoots for ∑7PBDE. This suggests that consumption of vegetables by humans and ingestion of contaminated soils and feed by chickens and cows can transfer PBDEs into the human food chain around the dumpsites. The comparison of PBDE levels in soils and the PBDE levels in chicken eggs from the former study indicate that PBDE levels in the soils are sufficient to explain the levels in the chicken eggs with a reasonable carry-over rate for PBDEs of 0.28 on average. The PBDE contamination in the soil was sufficient to result in a relevant exposure of humans via accumulation in eggs. The study shows that a better management of end-of-life products containing PBDEs is needed to reduce PBDE exposure risk in Africa.