CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Solid waste can be categorized into various types based on their origins. Household waste is typically referred to as municipal waste, while industrial waste can include hazardous waste. Biochemical waste, like that generated in hospitals, is often categorized as infectious waste. The term "solid waste" encompasses a broad range of materials, including garbage, refuse, sludge from treatment plants, and other discarded materials resulting from various activities such as industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, as defined in the US Law Solid Waste Act of 1999.
The term "disposal" pertains to actions involving the discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of any solid waste or hazardous waste into water, land, or air, including groundwater and community activities.
Solid waste disposal sites are typically located on the outskirts of urban areas. However, they can become sources of contamination due to the breeding and proliferation of flies, mosquitoes, and rodents. These pests, in turn, can transmit diseases that impact both the environment and public health.
Groups at risk from the improper disposal of solid waste include populations in areas lacking proper waste disposal methods. Another high-risk group includes those living in proximity to waste dumps. These individuals are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of inadequate waste management and may suffer from health-related issues as a result.
1.2 Problem of the study
The disposal of waste in an environment has garnered increasing attention from various environmental stakeholders. The necessity for traders to adopt more positive attitudes towards waste management has become crucial due to the persistent problem of littering and the deteriorating sanitary conditions of the environment in recent years. Despite the government's and waste management agencies' efforts to remove waste from the environment, the scale of waste generation and the methods of its disposal continue to be sources of concern.
To address this issue, waste managers have taken measures such as providing additional refuse bins and imposing strict penalties for those who litter the environment. However, these efforts have produced only limited positive results. This ongoing situation has impeded progress in maintaining a clean and safe environment. Many of the traders believe that waste management is not their responsibility and view it as solely the duty of waste management agencies, distancing themselves from active participation in waste management.
1.3 Aims and Objectives of Study
The aim and objectives of this work is to:
1. To know the impact of solid waste on the environment
2. To know the method of his disposal and how to treat them.
3. To know the problem arising to poor disposal of wastes
1.4 Research questions
What are the impacts of solid waste on the environment?
What are the methods of waste disposal and how to treat them?
What are the problems arising to poor disposal of wastes?
1.5 Research hypothesis
HO: Poor waste management has a negative effect on the traders at New Market Aba, Abia state.
HO: Poor waste management has a positive effect on the traders at New Market Aba, Abia state.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the health and environment sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to solid wastes disposal and impact on the envrionment. The study will be limited to New market in Aba, Abia state. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Solid Waste
Solid waste is defined as materials that the possession or owner no longer consider of important values to retain.
Liquid waste: Are waste generated from industries and household domestic activities which are liquid in nature.
Gaseous waste: They are gaseous in nature, generated from commercial/domestic/agricultural/industries activities e.g. CO2, NH3, CO, S2, Methanol.
