Analysis of physio-chemical properties of waste from urban informal enterprises in Ibadan, Nigeria Abolade Olajoke*, Adigun F. O.*, Adeboyejo A.T.*, Oke Isaiah Adesola** *Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria **Department of Civil Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria Online published on 21 November, 2013. Abstract Against the background of persistent, widespread of informal activities and its appalling environmental negativities, this paper analyzed the physiochemical characteristics of waste discharged by urban informal enterprises in Ibadan Region. Through the use of Global Positioning System, sampling locations were determined. A total of twenty one samples were successfully utilized for the laboratory analysis. The samples comprise liquid and solid waste generated by urban informal enterprises in randomly selected four local government areas. The physiochemical characteristics of samples and the pollutants (cadmium, chromium, lead) were analyzed in two laboratories (The Science laboratory of Obafemi Awolowo University and Department of Agronomy University of Ibadan) for comparative purpose. The result of analysis for concentration of Lead for liquid wastes and Cadmium test for soil samples reveals that waste from most of UIEs in tertiary services recorded significant values that exceeded permissible levels. The result of physiochemical properties (Alkalinity, Acidity and Chloride) of liquid waste from virtually all the categories of UIEs in almost all the four sampled Local Government Areas exceeded maximum permissible limit (600mg/l). The study recommends the reinstatement and use of the services of sanitary officers to curb some of the behavioural attitudes of operators that poses threat to the environment The haphazard locations of UIEs should be controlled while their activities, particularly waste discharges should be monitored by relevant environmental agencies at all tiers of government. These will provide a sustainable and comprehensive approach that will guide against its negative impacts on the environment. Top |