Assessing the Impact of Sachet Water Disposal Practices on Urban Environmental Health in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigated the impact of sachet water disposal practices on the environmental health of urban Nigeria. The study used both practice and scientific data collection to gather survey, water, and disease check information. The data was analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that 85% of waste in sachet water was unsanitarily disposed of, with 40% dumped on the streets and 25% dumped in drainage systems. The pollution of water bodies in urban areas was alarming, with plastic levels ranging from 10 mg to 150 mg per liter. High waste areas also showed increased incidence rates of waterborne diseases, such as typhoid (15%), cholera (12%), dysentery (8%), and hepatitis A (5%). The population's knowledge of proper disposal methods was generally low, with 25% fully aware, 20% knowing the right method but not using it, 30% having minimal understanding, and 25% having no knowledge at all. The study found that improper disposal rates had decreased from 70% in 2020 to a projected 50% in 2024. However, further improvement is needed in waste management infrastructure, laws and penalties, public awareness, and encouraging responsible and sustainable waste disposal practices.