The need to elucidate the urbanization–climate–pollution nexus in West African arose from the several reported, but disjointed cases of climate extremes and environmental degradation in the sub-region. This review analyzed several scenarios, to appraise the trends and relationships among the individual elements in the nexus and to ascertain the status of sustainable development in the sub-region, using the expository review methods. Urbanization was essentially characterized by population growth without complementary infrastructural development, weak coping strategies against climate extremes, numerous economic challenges, and high risk of environmental pollution. Initiative for urban renewal, urban greening and smart city development was low, and preparedness against future impact of extreme climate events and climate change is uncertain. However, there is clear evidence that the concept of sustainable development is growing in the sub-region. This is intensified by the international funding agencies insisting on the incorporation of environmental issues into development, the enactment of environmental laws and policies, and the establishment of institutions of enforcement in each country. The review concluded that although the sub-region is at the brink of severe effects of population explosion and environmental degradation, the growing awareness and implementation of the sustainable development goals may come to the rescue.

Background. Urbanization, industrialization and changes in consumption patterns have compounded the problem of solid waste management in Nigeria. Poor waste management threatens the well-being and health of the local population, particularly those living adjacent to dumpsites. Objectives. An assessment of the impact of dumpsites in a satellite town of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria was carried out to determine the level of biophysical/chemical parameters (pH, temperature, conductivity, nutrients (calcium and magnesium), heavy metals (lead, chromium, zinc), and microbial burden) on the quality of soil and groundwater and their impact on health and the environment. Methods. Soil and ground water samples were collected in four different dumpsites (Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Azhatta) with reference samples taken from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and taken to the laboratory for biophysical/chemical analysis using standard methods. Results. The results were compared with the national an...

Adequate handling, efficient treatment and effective methods of biomedical waste play a vital role in the hospital infection control programme. Inadequate management of healthcare waste is a serious concern in many developing countries due to the risks posed to human health and environment. This study evaluates the biomedical waste generated at the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba. Seven wards were selected within the health facilities to determine the quantities of waste. The result showed that total waste generated in seven consecutive days was 19.89 kg/week. The average waste generated in seven wards was 2.8 kg/week and average waste generated per day was 0.4 kg/day. The quantity of waste increased as the number of patients and visitors increased. There were non-availability of bags in all the bins used for waste collection, storage and the bins were not colour coded, neither was there segregation of waste in the seven units. The study equally showed that the waste collected from the hospital are subjected to open burning which may affect the health of the workers, patients, visitors and the residents. There should be proper management of healthcare waste which can be improved through employment and retraining of staff, provision of colour coded bins and at least an incinerator for waste treatment before final disposal. Key words: Biomedical waste, Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, waste generation, waste segregation, waste disposal.

Aims: To mark the environmental health status in the vicinity of a steel recycling facility in southwestern Nigeria using Nickel and Chromium levels in the top soil and leaves of Chromolaena odorata. Methodology: Conventional methods were used to determine some soil parameters (pH and electrical conductivity in 1:1 soil: deionized water; percentage organic carbon using chromic acid oxidation method and particle size analysis using hydrometer method). The metal content in the soil and plant samples were analysed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after digestion and extraction. Results: The results of the soil within the factory showed pH values of 7.50 – 8.80 and reduced organic matter content indicating alkaline conditions. Electrical conductivity values were comparatively higher for soils within the factory (423 – 1550 µs/m) than soils outside the factory (146 – 226 µs/m) showing presence of some soluble salts in the soil. The levels of Ni and Cr in the soil were higher within the factory than outside of the factory. Nickel concentrations of the soil increased with increasing distance from the factory up to 200 m. Similar trends occurred for Cr in the eastern side of the factory where the detectable concentrations (2.29±0.05 – 33.26±0.02 mgkg ^–1) was observed. The Ni content in the soil around the factory ranged from: North (0.76±0.01 – 1.46±0.06 mgkg –1); East (0.19±0.05 – 2.68±0.04 mgkg ^–1); West (0.21 ± 0.01 – 1.46±0.07 mgkg ^–1) and South (0.22±0.02 – 1.89±0.01 mgkg ^–1). Within the factory however, the scrap yard contained high concentration of Cr 24.15±0.04 mgkg ^–1 while the soils from the dumpsite for sorted wastes contained elevated concentrations of Ni (73.17±0.02 mgkg ^–1). Nickel and chromium content in the plant leaves in this study ranged from 1.40 – 3.60 mgkg ^–1 and 0.40 – 1.5 mgkg ^–1. Conclusion: Further increase in the Cr and Ni levels in the soil and plants of the study site poses a potential health hazard to animals that graze the area and man through consumption of forage and agronomic crops cultivated around the factory by peasant farmers.