Authors:J. U. Udensi , C. O. Anyanwu , M. C. Opara , C. C. Duru , E. C. Onyima , J. C. Okafor Pages: 1 - 10 Abstract: In many developing countries, improper solid waste management (SWM) poses serious environmental and public health risks. Solid wastes are typically dumped into drains and open areas since they are not collected. The effects of this incident affect both human life and the environment. In addition to identifying sources, types, and defining features of solid waste in the study region, this study aimed to evaluate the current solid waste management methods in three host communities (Eziobodo, Obinze, and Ihiagwa) of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. A systematic questionnaire was used to collect data for the cross-sectional descriptive study. Four hundred and four (404) copies of the questionnaire were distributed, and a multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for the selection of respondents and subsequent data collection. The data generated were presented in tables in percentages and were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0. Results obtained from this study show that 52.7% of the respondents were female while 47.3% are male. The age range was between 26 and 35 years. Considering the pattern of waste management practice, the majority of the respondents practice incineration (42.8%), this was followed by recycling (35.9%), and fermentation (11.6%) while composting (9.7%) was the least practiced waste management pattern. Garbage 42.8%, plastics 35.9%, cans 11.6%, and paper 9.7% were the types of solid wastes obtained from this study. The majority of the respondents (42.3%) disposes of waste by themselves while Government/paid collectors constitute only 2.0% of waste disposal method. About 55.4% of the waste is dumped in the gutter/drains, while 34.7%, 5.7%, and 4.2% of the waste are disposed of at nearby bushes, roadsides, and approved dumpsites respectively. The major factor associated with the improper waste disposal method as reported by the majority of respondents 71% (286) was lack of information. According to the study, there is a significant relationship between access to waste dumpsites and environmental sustainability (p= 0.022). There is a need for government to equip rural areas with facilities to dispose of refuse and also place them at a close interval apart from the households so that they can be easily accessed as well as train local residents about how solid waste affects human and environmental health. PubDate: 2023-05-19 DOI: 10.9734/acri/2023/v23i6575 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 6 (2023)
Authors:Quintão Amaral, Semirames do Nascimento Silva, Leonardo Afonso Pereira da Silva Filho, Agdylannah Felix Vieira, Luís Paulo Firmino Romão da Silva , Mailson Gonçalves Gregório Pages: 11 - 21 Abstract: Breast cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer in the world and the most common among women and its incidence has been increasing over time. From the 70s of the last century, the use of alternative therapies became popular, with their adherence increasing annually, starting to be used by various groups, including cancer patients. Plants are one of the oldest forms that the population of various regions and cultures in the world uses as a palliative method and with a medicinal purpose for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. The objective of this study was to identify the use of medicinal plants in the alternative treatment of breast cancer. The survey data were collected from February to March 2022, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The participation of women in the research stood out that of men. The age group of 31 to 40 years stood out from the others, the use of medicinal plants is common in 66.7% of the interviewees. About breast cancer, 31.5% reported that there are cases in the family, which are treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and allopathic medication. 85.2% who believe in treatment with the use of medicinal plants, the most cited plants were lemon balm, lemongrass and mint, chamomile, boldo and aloe, these are generally used by respondents. Aloe vera, soursop, basil and noni were cited as plants used to treat breast cancer. The leaves are the main part used by the interviewees, and the main form of use was infusion/tea, mentioned 45 times by the participants. After starting to use the plants, 85.7% stated that their symptoms had improved. As for the origin of knowledge about the use of medicinal plants, most claimed to have learned from their parents and grandparents. Medicinal herbs are mainly purchased at markets/fairs. For 61.1% of participants, medicinal plants do not pose health risks. PubDate: 2023-05-22 DOI: 10.9734/acri/2023/v23i6576 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 6 (2023)
Authors:Chidinma Acholonu , E. Diagi Bridget , Nwufo Remigus Somtochukwu , Ekweogu Chinonye , Justin N. Okorondu , Chijioke Uyo Pages: 22 - 32 Abstract: The disposal of solid waste close to water bodies is becoming a threat to the potability of water and the survival of aquatic organism. This research work was carried out to assess the impact of solid waste disposal on Nwaorie River in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. This was to ascertain the level of some heavy metals and physico-chemical parameters that could affects the quality of the water. Three sampling stations were established along the length of the study area and water from untreated effluent discharged points, 50m upstream, 50m midstream and 50m downstream respectively from the point of discharge. The water sample collected was taken to the Laboratory for analysis. Parameters such as pH, turbidity, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid, Electrical conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Zinc, Arsenic, Iron, Cadmium were measured in situ using a multi-parameter water quality monitor and flame absorption spectrometry. The results obtained revealed the concentration of dissolved Oxygen ranged 6.900-7.400mg/l, Biochemical Oxygen Demand ranged 0.250-0.540mg/l, mean of pH has the highest value of 5.30±0.0 at the downstream, electrical conductivity highest value was 98.00±0.0 at the downstream and temperature was found highest at the upstream with a value of 31.2±0.01 Zinc was less than 0.003mg/l in all sampling points, Iron, zinc and Arsenic were not detected while CaCO3 ranged 13-29mg/l and turbidity was 0.00. When compared the results of the measured parameters with World Health Organization Standard, all the measured parameter fell within the permissible limit. The study therefore concluded that river Nwaorie is slightly impacted by untreated waste deposited within the vicinity of the river, which could have implications for people that depend on the river for domestic uses and also aquatic organism in the river. Measures should therefore, be taken to stop this unhealthy way of waste disposal. PubDate: 2023-05-25 DOI: 10.9734/acri/2023/v23i6577 Issue No:Vol. 23, No. 6 (2023)
Open Access journal
