Water and Wastewater Treatment in Nigeria: Advancements, Challenges, Climate Change and Socioeconomic Impacts

The research addresses the prevalent issue of inadequate water and wastewater treatment in Nigeria. Over the years, advanced countries have developed substantial and robust systems for the treatment of water and wastewater, which ensures the preservation and sustenance of societal health and mitigates against the negative impacts that untreated and unregulated wastewater could cause to the environment, including water pollution, transmission of illnesses, destruction of ecosystems etc. The study examines the historical and most recent water treatment methods, which entail boiling and more advanced techniques such as Membrane Filtration, Ultraviolet Disinfection and Reverse Osmosis. Also, an overview of the potential threats to water treatment, including poor power supply, poor infrastructure, poor waste management system, Poverty, Policy Issues, and corruption, was conducted. With the advent of technology, treatment methods such as biological and chemical treatments have been instituted. For example, Biological Treatment entails using bacteria to destroy contaminants in water, leveraging the natural ability of microorganisms to survive in unseemly harsh conditions. The paper explores the economic analysis of waste management strategies in Nigeria, stating the costs, benefits and challenges faced.While implementing these strategies can be costly due to a lack of infrastructural and institutional capacity, it benefits societal health protection and promotes environmental sustainability in the long run. Stakeholder engagement, such as supporting water and wastewater treatment technology implementation and setting up local committees. That can help educate and ensure proper disposal of waste and wastewater by homeowners, industries and local businesses, which is discussed as an essential factor in providing adequate water reforms. The research examines important organisations in Nigeria responsible for conducting research, developing policies, enforcing environmental laws, and developing national guidelines and standards. These organisations include the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the National Water Resources Institute, River Basin Development Authorities, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Rules and Regulations Enforcement Agency. We examined the relationship between climate change, water and wastewater treatment, discussing the effects of climate change on water resources, including irregular rainfall patterns, decreasing ice sheets, increasing sea levels, floods and droughts. The efforts of the Nigerian government to combat climate change, such as the introduction of the national climate change policy and the enactment of the Climate Change Act 2021, were highlighted. The study also highlights the need for comprehensive strategies and cooperation to achieve long-term climate goals and promote climate-resilient economic development. We looked into the socioeconomic impact of effluent discharge and socioeconomic factors related to climate change in Nigeria. It reveals how wastewater affects agricultural activities such as fishing and farming and negatively impacts aquatic life, farmers and consumers. Discussions revolved around societal rights and obligations stated in the Nigerian Constitution regarding the government's responsibility to provide access to Healthcare, shelter, food, employment, and education. Recommendations were made, emphasising the need for properly designed and operated water treatment systems, prioritising water management, the importance of considering local conditions and the use of appropriate technology in ensuring the success of projects. Financial support from international organisations is essential. However, local commitment is likewise crucial for long-term sustainability

Indoor/Outdoor Concentration of Pollutants Around Major Roundabouts in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

The escalation of daily human activities has led to a surge in gaseous pollutants and particulates, with indoor environments often exhibiting higher pollutant levels than outdoor air. This study delves into the intricate relationship between outdoor pollutants and indoor settings near traffic intersections within the Ilorin metropolis. The research focuses on six strategically chosen locations with intensified vehicular and human interactions. Data on particulate concentration were collected at various time intervals.The Met One Aerocet 531s apparatus assessed indoor and outdoor particulate matter concentrations. Additionally, the Crowcon Gas Pro, a versatile multi-gas measurement equipment, facilitated the quantification of gaseous pollutants, including Oxygen, Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide, Hydrogen sulfide, and Methane. The assessment of other gaseous pollutants, such as NO, NO2, and NH3, was conducted using the ToxiRAE II apparatus, which offers diverse measurement capabilities. The Kestrel weather tracker contributed to the study by furnishing microclimatic parameters. All measurement instruments were strategically positioned at approximately 1.5 meters above ground level.Vehicular density variation emerged as a pivotal criterion in the evaluation process. Findings revealed elevated outdoor PM10 concentrations during rush hours at the roundabouts, indicating heightened pollutant emissions during peak traffic times. Conversely, intriguingly elevated indoor PM10 concentrations were observed within specific indoor environments during non-rush hour periods. This phenomenon potentially results from the interplay of meteorological fluctuations and indoor activities, underscoring the complexity of pollutant dispersion dynamics.Indoor-to-outdoor concentration ratios emerged as a significant metric, consistently exceeding unity across diverse sites. This observation substantiates the presence of indoor-based pollutant sources, necessitating vigilant monitoring and effective mitigation strategies to mitigate potential health risks for indoor occupants.This research contributes vital insights into the intricate domain of air quality assessment, offering nuanced perspectives on pollutant distribution dynamics, indoor exposure scenarios, and ensuing health implications. By addressing the complex nexus between outdoor and indoor environments, this study emphasizes the imperative of adopting comprehensive strategies to curtail pollutant emissions at their source, foster sustainable urban planning, and enhance the quality of indoor environments. The outcomes resonate with broader endeavours to address the far-reaching consequences of air pollution on both ecological equilibrium and human well-being

Impact of Virgin Coconut Oil and Carvedilol on Neurobehaviour, Apoptotic and Inflammatory Brain Markers in Doxorubicin Treated Mice

One of the significant side effects of doxorubicin treatment for cancer patients is cognitive impairment, and the mechanisms underlying this impairment must be investigated to treat or prevent it. The current study investigates the impact of virgin coconut oil and carvedilol administration on neurobehaviour brain apoptotic and inflammatory markers in doxorubicin-treated mice. 32 male and 32 female mice were randomly assigned to four groups of 8 animals each, and the treatment lasted for twenty-eight days. Group 1 animals in both the male and female groups were the controls. In comparison, the Group 2 animals in both groups received doxorubicin dosage (3.75mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally weekly as a single dose on days 5, 12, 19 and 26 to make up for the desired amount (15 mg/kg body weight). Group 3 animals received doxorubicin and were orally treated with virgin coconut oil (5ml/kg body weight) for 28 days. Group 4 animals received doxorubicin and were treated with carvedilol (5 mg/kg body weight) weekly for three days (days 5-7 for four weeks). The histological analysis of the brain tissue was done by staining the tissues with haematoxylin and eosin. The data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9.0. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare between groups. All results were presented as mean±SEM. Both virgin coconut oil and carvedilol demonstrated ameliorative effects on neurobehaviour and apoptotic and inflammatory brain markers