Assessing Air Quality at Waste Dump Site of Plateau State University, Bokkos, Nigeria: Evaluating Socio-Economic and Health Implications for the Community

Abstract

Rationale: Solid waste management practices have significant impacts on air quality, affecting the health and well-being of university communities.At Plateau State University, Bokkos, Nigeria, there is a need to understand the extent of these impacts to implement effective mitigation strategies.Objective: This study aimed to assess the air quality impacts of solid waste management practices at Plateau State University, Bokkos, Nigeria.Method: A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 120 participants selected through a stratified sampling technique.Air quality was monitored using portable devices measuring particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ).Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23, and results were presented with descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The study found elevated levels of particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5 , exceeding the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).There was a statistically significant relationship between good waste management practices and air quality (B = 0.521, p < 0.001), indicating that improved waste management correlates with better air quality.However, pollutant levels, including CO, SO 2 , and lead, exceeded recommended standards at the university's dump site, highlighting localized environmental concerns.Conclusions:The findings suggest that while effective waste management practices can significantly improve air quality, there are critical areas within the university where pollutant levels remain dangerously high.This underscores the need for comprehensive waste management strategies.Recommendations: To mitigate air pollution and foster a healthier environment, it is recommended to provide adequate waste management infrastructure, conduct health education programs, and regularly monitor air quality.