The generation of waste, and its disposal, collection, transport and processing are important for healthy ecosystems and the health of people. The negative health effects of waste management is the subject of a large literature. Two main health outcomes have been found to be statistically associated with waste exposure: cancer and congenital malformations. This research study was designed to examine the relationship of environmental characteristics with population health, and impacts of waste disposal methods on public health of Agbowo and Bodija community residents. Primary data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire that was used to gather information on environmental characteristics, municipal waste disposal methods and its effects on population health of Agbowo and Bodija communities' residents. 421 households in Agbowo (210) and Bodija (211) were randomly selected for this study. Data generated from our field survey were analyzed using t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, (PPMC), at 0.05 alpha level. Results shows that there is a significant difference between the two study areas in terms of environmental characteristics. A significant difference was also observed between waste disposal methods of Agbowo and Bodija communities. Using PPMC, our results demonstrates a relationship between healthy ecosystems and health of communities residents in Agbowo and Bodija. In Agbowo 158 (75.24%), 163 (77.62%), 168 (80%), 109 (51.9%), 94 (44.76%), 129 (61.43%) respodents reported to suffer of watery stools, typhoid, skin infections, vomitting, sore throat, abdominal pains in the past one year. But when compared to Bodija the number of respondents who suffered of watery stools, typhoid, skin infections, vomitting, sore throat, abdominal pains in the past one year stood at 132 (, respectively. Having established that improper waste generation and management can have adverse health effects on human health, the study concludes by reconmmending that government at all levels should adopt an integrated waste management system with appropriate policy agenda, public programmes and strategic action plans that will enhance environmental governance and end to indiscriminate waste disposal.

Abstract:The aim of this study is to assess the impact of agricultural industrial effluent discharge on agricultural fields. Soil and crops samples from industrial effluent irrigated agricultural fields were collected from 5 locations in Ilorin, Kwara State between March and August, 2017. Soil and crop samples were analysed for heavy metals (Zinc, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Cadmium, and Chromium) using the standard procedures. Data collected were analysed for simple descriptive statistics using the Microsoft Excel Package. Results showed Zn level concentration in agricultural produces from in Farms 3 -5 were found to be in the range of 0.08-0.3 mgkg -1 `f alling within the WHO/FAO safe limits of 0.60 mgkg -1. Crop samples collected from Farms 1 & 2 showed the Zn levels higher than the WHO/FAO permissible limit. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe and Cd in agricultural produces were found within the permissible limits of the WHO. The order of accumulation of heavy metals by the agricultural produces were Ewedu > Garden Egg > Flute Pumpkin > Maize > Okro. The consumption of agricultural produces study farms 1 and 2 may pose serious danger to human health. This study recommends treatment of industrial effluent before discharge into the agricultural lands.