Composition and characterisation of household hazardous wastes (HHW) in Woji Community, Port Harcourt Nigeria

摘要

The composition and characterization of Household hazardous waste (HHW) generated and disposd off in Woji community, Port Harcourt have been studied. Research methodology was multi-dimensional in approach involving the use of a face-to-face interview and the application of a well-structured questionnaire to sixty randomly selected household. Demographic characteristics of respondents show that 71.67% were males while 28.33% were females. 85% were married and 15% single. Respondents were between 21 and 60 years of age. A large proportion of the sampled population have the formal educational training. Modal income bracket for the respondents was the N51, 000– 100,000 per month. The size of households in the study area have the modal class of >6persons (66.67%). Twenty-two (22) types of HHW were identified in the study area with plastics and nylon and other polythene products accounted for the highest HHW generated in the area. All identified HHW showed characteristics of toxicity, corrosivity, reactivity and ignitability. All respondents (100%) strongly agree that nylon and other polyethene materials and plastics, insecticides, disinfectant, rat poison, weed killers etc can pose serious environmental problem if not properly managed. Current management of domestic waste which is inclusive of HHW is a call for action.