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Assessment of Solid Wastes Generation, Characterisation and Resource Recovery in Federal University of Health Sciences Ila-Orangun
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A six-month waste characterization study at a Nigerian university identified spatial and temporal variation in solid waste streams, with strong potential for resource recovery through circular economy practices. This is relevant to microplastic pollution research because institutional plastic waste mismanagement in developing regions is a major pathway for microplastic precursor materials entering aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Rationale: The escalating volume of solid waste generated globally poses significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Effective solid waste management planning relies on the quantification and characterization of waste streams. However, in Nigerian universities, critical processes such as waste collection, transportation, characterization, and disposal remain significantly under-investigated and poorly implemented, limiting evidence-based policy development. Objectives: This study assessed the quantity, composition, spatial distribution, temporal variation, and resource recovery potential of solid waste at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), aiming to propose actionable recommendations for sustainable waste management aligned with circular economy principles. Methods: A six-month prospective waste segregation and collection study was conducted across eight strategic locations on campus, including the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (FAHS), Senate Building (SB), Faculty of Science (FS), Former Administrative Building (FAB), Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (FBM), Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), Nursing Science (NS), and Library and ICT complex (LI). Waste was segregated at source, transported to the mini–Material Recovery Facility (m-MRF), and measured weekly. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA, were employed to examine spatial variations in waste composition. Results: Over the monitoring period, a cumulative 1,846.4 kg of waste was recorded, with an overall mean of 9.62 kg per week per collection point. FAHS contributed the largest share (17.87%; average 13.75 kg/week), followed by SB (12.65%) and FS (12.55%). Temporal analysis revealed a gradual decline from 513.3 kg in Week 1 to 413.6 kg in Week 4, suggesting operational intensity patterns. Waste composition analysis demonstrated food waste as the dominant fraction (~600 kg; 32.7%), substantially exceeding plastics (~320 kg; 17.3%) and papers (~310 kg; 16.8%). Intermediate quantities were observed for carton/cardboard (~270 kg) and polythene nylons (~240 kg), with smaller proportions for metals/cans (~50 kg), styrofoam (~40 kg), and glass bottles (<10 kg). One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant spatial variations across locations for food waste (p < 0.001), plastic waste (p < 0.001), polythene nylon (p < 0.001), and paper (p < 0.001), while glass bottles showed uniform distribution (p = 0.272). Recovery assessment documented 603.8 kg of food waste composted (averaging 25.16 kg weekly), 320 kg of plastics recycled, and substantial paper (310.2 kg) and carton (272.6 kg) recovery. Over 80% of the waste stream was identified as either biodegradable or recyclable.Conclusion: FUHSI generates substantial waste with significant spatial and compositional variability, yet exhibits remarkable potential for resource recovery through composting and recycling interventions. Recommendations: The university should implement extensive source segregation programs, conduct awareness campaigns, establish infrastructure for organic waste composting, and develop plastic and paper recycling partnerships to advance circular economy principles. Health Significance Statement: Improper waste management directly threatens campus community health through occupational exposures, environmental contamination, and increased disease transmission risks. Implementing sustainable waste management systems is essential for protecting population health, reducing environmental hazards, and fostering institutional sustainability.
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