Solid waste management, air quality, and sustainability in Nigeria: A scoping review.

Abstract

Background: A major global health risk, environmental air pollution results in significant death and morbidity from respiratory, cardiovascular, and other illnesses. In low-and middle-income nations like Nigeria, environmental difficulties brought on by inappropriate solid waste disposal are now big problems. This is due to the enormous increases in solid waste creation that have followed population growth and urbanisation. This dissertation thus aimed to discover from the existing literature how solid waste management relates to air quality and sustainability.

Methods: A scoping review of literature published between 2015 and 2023 was undertaken in July 2023 using three databases. This was to accommodate different types of quality research needed to achieve the aim of the dissertation. Both manual and appropriate literature searches were done. Screening entailed examining the title and abstract before full-text screening against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The PRISMA-SCr was used to extract data, which was subsequently charted and categorised according to themes before synthesis.

Results: Out of 1123 studies identified, twenty made up the scoping review. Fourteen studies focused on the challenges of managing Municipal Solid waste; three studies assessed the generation; two studies explored its effects on humans and the environment; and one addressed solution. Government-led initiatives in air quality monitoring are scarce, which makes it difficult to effectively control and regulate air quality and subsequent health issues. The review identified that waste in Nigeria thus includes biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. The problem of municipal solid waste stems from inadequate funding, the absence of resources and equipment, and poor implementation of policies.

Conclusion: It is impossible to overstate the connection between a clean environment and good health. It is essential to encourage sustainable initiatives that can increase data availability over time, strong communication between various government sectors, and widespread collaboration. Unquestionably, good solid waste management will support a clean environment. By improving government action, appropriate laws, and public knowledge, the region can prioritise the preservation of public health and air quality sustainability. Further studies then needed to address other areas to determine the effects of the different wastes and their impact on public health.