Impact of Sand Mining and Sea Reclamation on the Environment and Socioeconomic Activities of Ikate and Ilubirin Coastal Low Income Communities in Lagos Metropolis, Southwestern Nigeria

Land reclamation is gradually posing negative impact on man due to unplanned urbanization. A study was carried out on impact of land reclamation through sand mining of coastal communities in Ikate and Ilubirin in Lagos, Nigeria. Ten waters (8 surface and 2 groundwater sources), 10 soil samples and air were collected and taken for analysis. Results of water revealed concentrations lower than WHO (2017) and SON (2007) standards. Soil/sediment with average crustal value revealed Pb and Cd above standard values, which is attributed to anthropogenic influence on soils. Quality of air in the study was mainly particulate matter arising from the sea and reclaimed land in the surroundings of the environment with the highest Total Suspended Particulate of 0.8 mg/m3 in sulfur dioxide. This explains corrosion found on the roofs of the communities. Therefore, in the development planning adequate precautions should be put in place to avert environmental degradation.

Utilization of Urine for Cultivation of Selected Vegetable Crops in Backyard “Peeponics”

This study evaluated the use of urine for soilless cultivation (as Peeponics) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius vegetables. This is a laboratory-based experiment involving optimization of amount of urine and dilution required for optimal growth of the test plants. Based on laboratory results, the experiments were scaled up. About 50 L of raw urine was collected from a male postgraduate student’s hall of residence, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Water from Awba Dam, a natural lake within University of Ibadan, was used as the control. Viable seeds of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius were collected from Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, and germinated in a nursery for 10 days before transplanting. The raw urine was diluted with varying amount of water in the ratio 1:1 through 1:50. Nutrients in urine media (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and biomass indicators of plant growth (height, weight, number of leaves and leaf area) were determined using standard procedures. Urine dilution ratios below 1:25 did not support the experimental plants growth within a week. Plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), number of leaves (sheets) and leaf area (cm2) of Amaranthus viridis and Corchorus olitorius cultivated on Urine Dilution Ratio (UDR) 1:35 and 1:45 were higher at the end of week 3 compared to other dilutions and control. Percentage reduction of nutrients (NPK) in the media of Amaranthus viridis cultivated on UDR 1:45 was several folds higher (N = 59.9%, P = 100%, K = 55.3%) compared to that of UDR 1:35 (N = 38.5%, P = 49.1%, K = 37.6%). In the control water, the nutrients were totally removed during the experimental period. Growth of Corchorus olitorius cultivated on both UDR 1:35 and 1:45, was significantly higher at the end of week 6. A significant negative correlation was observed between Corchorus olitorius plant height and Phosphorus (r = -0.0418;p < 0.05) removal in the media. The study concluded that the use of diluted human urine for soilless cultivation of vegetables, if encouraged, could promote food security and environmental sustainability at household level in communities.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment-Based Water Safety Plan for Packaged Water Production Companies in Abeokuta, South West Nigeria

Provision of quality drinking water is paramount for sustaining good public health in urban residents. Packaged water produced and consumed across cities in Nigeria lacks integrity in protecting Health. Water safety plan based on hazard identification and risk assessment in each component of the water production system is essential in providing quality water by packaged water producing companies in Nigeria. This study aims at developing water safety plan for selected packaged water manufacturing companies in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Hazard identification and risk assessment were carried out based on site inspection studies, key informant interview, questionnaire survey and water sample analysis, and risk analysis using semi-quantitative risk matrix approach. The results revealed a total of 26 possible hazardous events which may compromise water quality such as on-site septic tanks and effluents discharged at source water and improper maintenance and hygiene practices within the system. Based on these, appropriate mitigation and monitoring plans were drawn for action. The research found that water safety plan is feasible for the packaged water systems, and therefore calls on the relevant stakeholders for urgent implementation towards ensuring clean drinking water and protecting public health as more and more people are opting for packaged waters due to uncertain public water safety.