Overview of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects of Pollution in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria

Exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) at Nigeria's petrol stations: a review of current status, challenges and future directions

Introduction

In Nigeria, because of increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, and auto-mobilization, petrol is the most everyday non-edible commodity, and it is the leading petroleum product traded at the proliferating Nigeria's petrol stations (NPSs). However, because of inadequate occupational health and safety (OHS) regulatory measures, working at NPSs exposes petrol station workers (PSWs) to a large amount of hazardous benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds.

Methods

Studies on BTEX exposures among Nigerian PSWs are scarce. Thus, constraints in quantifying the health risks of BTEX limit stakeholders' ability to design practical risk assessment and risk control strategies. This paper reviews studies on the OHS of Nigerian PSWs at the NPSs.

Results

Although knowledge, attitude, and practices on OHS in NPSs vary from one Nigeria's study setting to another, generally, safety practices, awareness about hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use of PPE among PSWs fell below expectations. Additionally, air quality at NPSs was poor, with a high content of BTEX and levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde higher than the World Health Organization guideline limits.

Discussion

Currently, regulatory bodies' effectiveness and accountability in safeguarding OHS at NPSs leave much to be desired. Understanding the OHS of NPSs would inform future initiatives, policies, and regulations that would promote the health and safety of workers at NPSs. However, further studies need to be conducted to describe the vulnerability of PSWs and other Nigerians who are occupationally exposed to BTEX pollution. More importantly, controlling air pollution from hazardous air pollutants like BTEX is an essential component of OHS and integral to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, 7, and 11.

The hidden threat: Environmental toxins and their effects on gut microbiota

The human gut microbiota (GM), which consists of a complex and diverse ecosystem of bacteria, plays a vital role in overall wellness. However, the delicate balance of this intricate system is being compromised by the widespread presence of environmental toxins. The intricate connection between contaminants in the environment and human well-being has garnered significant attention in recent times. Although many environmental pollutants and their toxicity have been identified and studied in laboratory settings and animal models, there is insufficient data concerning their relevance to human physiology. Consequently, research on the toxicity of environmental toxins in GM has gained prominence in recent years. Various factors, such as air pollution, chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides, have a detrimental impact on the composition and functioning of the GM. This comprehensive review aims to comprehend the toxic effects of numerous environmental pollutants, including antibiotics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides, on GM by examining recent research findings. The current analysis concludes that different types of environmental toxins can lead to GM dysbiosis and have various potential adverse effects on the well-being of animals. We investigate the alterations to the GM composition induced by contaminants and their impact on overall well-being, providing a fresh perspective on research related to pollutant exposure.

An overview of the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling and open dumping

Landfilling is one of the most common waste management methods employed in all countries alike, irrespective of their developmental status. The most commonly used types of landfills are (a) municipal solid waste landfill, (b) industrial waste landfill, and (c) hazardous waste landfill. There is, also, an emerging landfill type called "green waste landfill" that is, occasionally, being used. Most landfills, including those discussed in this review article, are controlled and engineered establishments, wherein the waste ought to abide with certain regulations regarding their quality and quantity. However, illegal and uncontrolled "landfills" (mostly known as open dumpsites) are, unfortunately, prevalent in many developing countries. Due to the widespread use of landfilling, even as of today, it is imperative to examine any environmental- and/or health-related issues that have emerged. The present study seeks to determine the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling by adopting a desk review design. It is revealed that landfilling is associated with various environmental pollution problems, namely, (a) underground water pollution due to the leaching of organic, inorganic, and various other substances of concern (SoC) contained in the waste, (b) air pollution due to suspension of particles, (c) odor pollution from the deposition of municipal solid waste (MSW), and (d) even marine pollution from any potential run-offs. Furthermore, health impacts may occur through the pollution of the underground water and the emissions of gases, leading to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of the exposed population living in their vicinity.

Does Internet use improve farmers' perception of environmental pollution? Evidence from rural China

People's weak perceptions of environmental pollution (PEP) threaten the achievement of the Global Sustainable Goals, especially in rural areas. However, Internet use may improve farmer's PEP. Thus, based on survey data from rural China, this study uses an endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) to remove the selection bias and quantitatively evaluate the impact of Internet use on the farmers' PEP. The results of this study show that (1) for group of farmers using the Internet, if they do not use the Internet, their PEP may decrease by 91.004% and (2) for group of farmers not using the Internet, if they use the Internet, their PEP may increase by 100.160%. These results provide the evidence for developing countries aiming to improve their residents' PEP and provide a new path for solving the problem of global environmental pollution and realizing sustainability.

Environmental health situation in Nigeria: current status and future needs

Environmental health-related risks are becoming a primary concern in Nigeria, with diverse environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution, oil spillage, deforestation, desertification, erosion, and flooding (due to inadequate drainage systems) caused mostly by anthropogenic activities. This paper reviews the pre-existing and current environmental health problems, proffer future research and needs, policy needs, and recommendations necessary to mitigate Nigeria's environmental health situation. Data from the Institute of Health Metric and Evaluation on Global Burden of Disease (GBD) was used to ascertain the causes of Death and Disability-adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in Nigeria from 2007-2017 and published literatures where reviewed. According to the world health data report, most of the highest-ranked causes of DALYs in Nigeria are related to environmental risk factors. The lower respiratory infection associated with air pollution has advanced from the 4th in 2007 to the highest ranked cause of death in 2017. Other predominant causes of death associated with environmental risk factors include chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, enteric infections, diarrheal diseases, communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional disease, which has resulted in approximately 800 thousand deaths and 26 million people living with DALYs per annum in Nigeria. Major environmental risk factors include household air pollution, ambient air pollution, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH), which shows a prolonged but progressive decline. In contrast, ambient particulate matter pollution, ambient ozone pollution, and lead exposure show a steady rise associated with death and DALYs in Nigeria, indicating a significant concern in an environmental health-related risk situation. Sustaining a healthy environment is critical in improving the quality of life and the span of a healthy life. Therefore, environmentally sustainable development policies and practices should be essential to the population and policymakers for a healthy life.

Comprehensive review of the basic chemical behaviours, sources, processes, and endpoints of trace element contamination in paddy soil-rice systems in rice-growing countries

Rice is the leading staple food for more than half of the world's population, and approximately 160 million hectares of agricultural area worldwide are under rice cultivation. Therefore, it is essential to fulfil the global demand for rice while maintaining food safety. Rice acts as a sink for potentially toxic metals such as arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) in paddy soil-rice systems due to the natural and anthropogenic sources of these metals that have developed in the last few decades. This review summarizes the sources and basic chemical behaviours of these trace elements in the soil system and their contamination status, uptake, translocation, and accumulation mechanisms in paddy soil-rice systems in major rice-growing countries. Several human health threats are significantly associated with these toxic and potentially toxic metals not only due to their presence in the environment (i.e., the soil, water, and air) but also due to the uptake and translocation of these metals via different transporters. Elevated concentrations of these metals are toxic to plants, animals, and even humans that consume them regularly, and the uniform deposition of metals causes a severe risk of bioaccumulation. Furthermore, the contamination of rice in the global rice trade makes this a critical problem of worldwide concern. Therefore, the global consumption of contaminated rice causes severe human health effects that require rapid action. Finally, this review also summarizes the available management/remediation measures and future research directions for addressing this critical issue.

Material and Substance Flow Analysis of Used Lead Acid Batteries in Nigeria: Implications for Recovery and Environmental Quality

BACKGROUND

As resources become scarce, information from material and substance flow analysis can help to improve material recovery policy. The flow of toxic substances such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) can be used as a basis for appropriate risk management decisions for optimum environmental quality.

OBJECTIVES

The present study examined a material and substance flow analysis of used lead acid batteries (ULAB) from motor vehicles and implications for environmental quality in Nigeria.

METHODS

Information on motor vehicle imports was obtained from the literature. Mathematical models were constructed and used for the material and substance flow analysis. Samples of 50 brands of ULAB pastes were digested using a microwave digestion system followed by elemental determination (Pb, Cd, silver (Ag), As, cobalt (Co), calcium (Ca), Cr, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), Sb, selenium (Se), and tellurium (Te)) with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Approximately 4.8 million tons (Mt) lead acid batteries (LAB) from vehicles was used in Nigeria between 1980 and 2014, out of which approximately 2.6 Mt had reached end-of-life (EoL) stages. From the total amount in EoL, approximately 2.3 Mt was recycled, and 0.3 Mt was landfilled. Among the toxic elements, Pb, Cd and As were the most abundant in ULAB; and of the valuable elements, Fe and Cu had the highest levels. Approximately 3.5 Mt of Pb was used in the past (1980-2014) in ULAB for motor vehicles, out of which approximately 1.9 Mt tons was in EoL stages.

DISCUSSION

The results revealed that the battery pastes were heterogeneous. Only Pb exceeded the total threshold limit concentration (TTLC) of 1000 mg/kg. The TTLC describes the safe levels or concentration of heavy metals in the environment. The levels observed for other metals in this study were below the TTLC values. The present study estimated an average life span for lead acid batteries in motor vehicles in Nigeria of 5 years, suggesting an additional 2.2 Mt at EoL by 2019. High concentrations of Pb in air, water and soil carry the potential for contamination of food products, especially in Nigeria, where food is traditionally prepared and sold in open air markets in an unregulated manner.

CONCLUSIONS

High amounts of toxic elements present in the various life cycle stages signal potential environmental and human health hazards.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

COVID-19 Interconnectedness: Health Inequity, the Climate Crisis, and Collective Trauma

The COVID-19 pandemic brings to the forefront the complex interconnected dilemmas of globalization, health equity, economic security, environmental justice, and collective trauma, severely impacting the marginalized and people of color in the United States. This lack of access to and the quality of healthcare, affordable housing, and lack of financial resources also continue to have a more significant impact on documented and undocumented immigrants. This paper aims at examining these critical issues and developing a framework for family therapists to address these challenges by focusing on four interrelated dimensions: cultural values, social determinants of health, collective trauma, and the ethical and moral responsibility of family therapists. Given the fact that family therapists may unwittingly function as the best ally of an economic and political system that perpetuates institutionalized racism and class discrimination, we need to utilize a set of principles, values, and practices that are not just palliative or after the fact but bring forth into the psychotherapeutic and policy work a politics of care. Therefore, a strong call to promote and advocate for the broader continuum of health and critical thinking preparing professionals to meet the challenges of health equity, as well as economic and environmental justice, is needed. The issues discussed in this paper are specific to the United States despite their relevance to family therapy as a field. We are mindful not to generalize the United States' reality to the rest of the world, recognizing that issues discussed in this paper could potentially contribute to international discourse.

Ambient air pollution and its influence on human health and welfare: an overview

Human health is closely related to his environment. The influence of exposure to air pollutants on human health and well-being has been an interesting subject and gained much volume of research over the last 50 years. In general, polluted air is considered one of the major factors leading to many diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease and lung cancer for the people. Besides, air pollution adversely affects the animals and deteriorates the plant environment. The overarching objective of this review is to explore the previous researches regarding the causes and sources of air pollution, how to control it and its detrimental effects on human health. The definition of air pollution and its sources were introduced extensively. Major air pollutants and their noxious effects were detailed. Detrimental impacts of air pollution on human health and well-being were also presented.

Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Operational Performance in Wa Municipality, Ghana

BACKGROUND

The generation and management of solid waste pose potential adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

OBJECTIVE

The present study examines the operational performance of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal in the Wa Municipality, Ghana.

METHODS

The study applied both qualitative and quantitative research methods and modelled the Wa Municipality's MSW disposal system using the municipal solid waste decision support tool (MSW DST). Acid gases (sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides) and total particulate matter that have a direct impact on human health were set as the objective functions for modelling five MSW disposal scenarios. The modelled scenarios were: 1) landfill disposal only; 2) composting and landfill disposal; 3) composting, incineration, refuse derived fuels (RDF) and landfill disposal; 4) separation, composting, incineration, RDF and landfill disposal; and 5) separation, transfer, material recovery, composting, incineration, RDF and landfill disposal. The pollutants chosen as indicators for substance flow analysis included lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, copper, chromium, and zinc.

RESULTS

Scenarios 4 and 5 produced the least engineering cost of 1 150 000 US $/year for the entire MSW disposal system, whereas scenario 2 produced the highest cost of 1 340 000 US $/year. Scenario 5 produced the least average health impacts of -5.812E-04 lbs/year, while scenario 2 generated the highest engineering cost and produced the highest average health impact of 9.358E-05 lbs/year. Scenarios 5 and 4, which included waste-to-energy conversion in the systems, produced the lowest average health impacts (-5.812E-04 lbs/year and -5.611E-04 lbs/year, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The adoption of an integrated solid waste management concept, including waste-to-energy technologies, will not only help to lessen MSW disposal hazards, but also to produce alternative sources of energy for Ghana and other developing countries.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Concentration and Distribution of Organochlorine Pesticides in Sediments of the Niger River, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a serious environmental concern. There is a great need for constant assessment and monitoring of hazardous substances, particularly in aquatic environments in developing countries, as rivers are media with easy trans-boundary transport of chemical substances.

OBJECTIVES

The present study assessed the occurrence and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the sediments of the Niger River, Nigeria.

METHODS

A total of 120 samples of sediment were collected from 15 locations along the river using Van Veen grab. The Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) 3570 method with slight modification was used for sample preparation. Organochlorine pesticides were analyzed using Hewlett Packard 5890 series II gas chromatography with electron capture detector. Confirmation of OCPs was performed using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (Shimadzu QP2010) and capillary column type HP1MS (30 m × 0.25 um × 0.25 mm id).

RESULTS

The highest concentration of ∑OCPs in the sediment samples of the River Niger (5023±1596 μg/kg, 4672-7009 μg/kg) was detected in a location at Onitsha, while the lowest concentration (1570±204.5, 1214-1820 μg/kg) was detected in a location at the Nicolas River.

DISCUSSION

High values of ∑OCPs (>2000 μg/kg) were detected in all of the locations except in three locations where lower levels were detected. The ∑OCPs were higher during the dry season compared to the rainy season. This may be because the resident time of the sediment transported was higher during the dry season compared to the rainy season, which is characterized by storms, high current, and bottom scour. The chlordane concentration ranged between 24.4 and 134.1 μg/kg dry weight (dw) in locations Nicolas 14 and Lokoja 5; and the Probable Effect Concentration guidelines were exceeded. Dieldrin was detected at very low levels in most of the locations and ranged from 5.67 to 70.3 μg/kg dw in locations Onitsha 9 and 8; and the Probable Effect Concentration guideline was only exceeded in location Onitsha 8; however, the Toxic Effect Concentration guideline was exceeded at all of the locations. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) was not detected in location Lokoja 6 or 7, and Onitsha 8 and 9, although the concentration in all other locations exceeded the guidelines. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) concentrations exceeded the guidelines except in location Nicolas 13.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the environmental/human risk and potential danger of the elevated levels of OCPs, there is a need for continuous monitoring of the Niger River.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Brackish Water Fish in the River Niger, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Anthropogenic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in aquatic environments poses human and ecological health risks in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES

This study determined the concentrations of PCBs in brackish water fish in the River Niger to assess the contamination status of fish consumed by the local population.

METHODS

The sampled fish species included Drepane africana, Mochokus niloticus, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Pristipoma jubelini, Vomer septapinis, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Mugil cephalus, Pseudotolithus elongatus, Sphyraena piscatorum and Lutjanus goreensis, purchased from landing sites. Six fish from each species were sampled, for a total of 60 samples. Twenty-seven (27) PCB congeners, #8, #18 #28, #44, #52, #60, #77, #81, #101, #105, #114, #118, #123, #126, #128, #138, #153, #156, #157, #167, #169, #170, #180, #185, #189, #195, and #206 were screened in the fish samples using standard methods. The PCBs were identified and quantified using gas chromatography (GC) (Hewlett Packard GC 5890 series 11 with electron capture detector). Confirmation was performed using Shimadzu GCMS QP2010.

RESULTS

The sum of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency (ΣNOAA) PCBs occurred at the highest concentration of 1830.0±484.0 μg/kg detected in Vomer septapinis, and the lowest in Pseudotolithus senegalensis, with a mean concentration of 795±169.3 μg/kg. The concentration of dioxin-like (DL) PCBs was highest in Pristipoma jubelini (992.0±88.6 μg/kg) and lowest (285.6±81.5 μg/kg) in Drepane africana. The highest mean concentration (418.±177.6 μg/kg) of International Council for the Exploration of the Seas-7 (ICES-7) PCBs was observed in Vomer septapinis. The heavier ICES-7 congeners PCB-138, PCB-153, and PCB-180 occurred at higher concentrations compared to the lighter molecular weight ICES-7: PCB-28, PCB-52, and PCB-101. The European Union (EU) marker PCB limit of 335 μg/kg was exceeded in all the brackish water fishes with the exception of Mochokus niloticus, Pristipoma jubelini and Pseudotolithus senegalensis.

DISCUSSION

The total level of PCBs in the brackish fish samples was relatively high at >1000 μg/kg (above the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) guideline of 1000 μg/kg fresh weight). The EU guideline value for fish (220 μg/kg fresh weight) was exceeded in about 80% of the brackish fish samples studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of fish from the River Niger may expose humans to polychlorinated biphenyls. In addition, since contamination of the fish samples is an indication of river contamination, river water quality is of great concern and there is a need for additional PCB data on water quality to be distributed to the community, followed by mitigation measures.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water of River Niger: occurrence and distribution

This study assessed the levels and distribution of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water of River Niger. The selected POPs of interest were organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Fifteen representative sites along River Niger: three each from Gurara River (tributary) in Niger State, Lokoja (confluence) in Kogi State, Onitsha in Anambra State, Brass and Nicolas Rivers (tributaries) in Bayelsa State were selected for sampling quarterly over a 24-month period. A total of 240 surface and bottom water samples were collected using Van Dorn water sampler in the eight quarters of 2008-2009. At the Delta locations where tidal effects take place, high- and low-tide water samples were taken as compared to surface and bottom at the River Niger locations. For sample extraction, EPA method 3510c was employed with slight modifications. Certified reference standards from Accustandards USA was used for the instrument calibration and quantification of OCPs. The extracted samples were subjected to gas chromatography (GC/ECD) for identification/quantification. And Shimadzu GCMS QP2010 was used for confirmation. Chlordane, endosulfan, endrin and DDT metabolites were very prominent in the water samples, compared to HCH, dieldrin, and isomers which occurred at lower concentrations. The sequence in the concentration of the organochlorine pesticides were ∑chlordane > ∑DDT > ∑endosulfan > ∑endrine > ∑dieldrin > ∑HCH. The highest concentration of ∑OCPs in water samples of River Niger, 1138.0 ± 246.7 ng/L, with range 560.8-1629 ng/L was detected at Onitsha location, while the lowest concentration, 292.6 ± 74.9, with range 181-443.0 ng/L was detected at Nicolas River. Levels of OCPs in a larger percentage of the samples exceeded guidelines and therefore hold potential harmful effects on benthic fauna, fish, and man. Abstraction of water from the River for drinking water treatment should be discouraged. Because of the potential danger, this presents, continuous monitoring of the water body and if possible remediation, determination of the sources of the POPs is therefore very necessary.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in River Niger, Nigeria: Occurrence, distribution and composition profiles

Contamination of rivers with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is an issue of current global concern. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are POPs with origin from commercial, incineration and industrial sources. Hence, there is a need for monitoring their occurrence and distribution in the environment. This study assessed the occurrence, distribution and composition profiles of PCBs in River Niger, Nigeria. Surface and bottom water samples were collected in consecutive quarters for a period of 2 years, covering the beginning and end of the rainy seasons and the dry seasons, from five locations (Gurara, Lokoja, Onitsha, Brass and Nicolas) along River Niger. A total of 240 water samples were collected using a Van Dorn water sampler. EPA method 3510c was used with slight modifications for sample preparation and analysis. The PCBs were analysed using a Hewlett Packard GC 5890 Series 11 with electron capture detection, and confirmation was made using a Shimadzu GCMS QP2010. The higher molecular weight marker PCBs (∑CB 138, 153 and 180) were more dominant than the lighter homologues (∑CB 28, 52 and 101), while commercial sources Co-PCBs (80.8 ± 61.7 to 288.3 ± 102.0 ng L^-1) were more dominant than the incineration sources (34.9 ± 3.82 to 75.5 ± 65.2 ng L^-1). The POPs load in River Niger water varied in both time and space. In surface water of the River Niger, ∑PCBs were higher during the rainy season, as a result of storm run-off from land-based sources. In the Brass and Nicolas Rivers during the dry season, the ∑PCBs were higher during low tide. There was no noticeable pattern during the rainy season. It may be concluded from this study that the water of River Niger is not good for human consumption or abstraction of water from the river for drinking water treatment.