Background. Poor economic situations in developing nations had made scavenging a means of livelihood for millions of youth and women across the globe. Lack of proper source segregation of wastes in developing countries has increased the potential for the transmission of pathogens like Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Objectives. This study addressed issues relating to waste scavenging, the potential risk in waste scavenging work and seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus and its relationship with wastes scavenging among wastes scavengers in Kwara State. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the scavengers working for major scrap dealers in the three senatorial districts of Kwara State. Consequently, to accomplish the objectives, both primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, blood test and field observations. Whereas the secondary data were extracted from different published and unpublished materials. 240 respondents were administered with questionnaires and undergone hepatitis surface antigen test for both hepatitis B and C in nine of the sixteen local government area in the state. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS version 23) for descriptive and inferential at 5% level of significance. The prevalence of an HBV and HCV infection biological markers (HBsAg and HCsAg) and their associations with exposure to bio-medical waste, socio-demographic factors, and history of occupational injuries was examined. Results. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection among the scavengers were found to be 8.3% and 5% respectively indicating that scavengers are at risk of HBV and HCV infection. Conclusions. It was discovered that there are incidences of Hepatitis B and C virus co-infection among scavengers. Also, awareness and compliance to the usage of PPE was found to be an important factor for protection scavengers against the virus. Therefore, vaccination against HBV, enforcement of usage of PPE, good hygiene practices, regular trainings on occupational safety, proper monitoring by regulatory agency and inclusion of scavengers in mandatory health insurance scheme will help to control risk of HBV and HCV infection among scavengers.

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Background Solid waste management in Nigeria has been a major concern to stakeholders due to inefficient collection and unsafe disposal. In Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state, the problem of wastes is becoming alarming because the more these wastes are evacuated the more they are generated on a daily basis. Thus, the issue of central storage of solid waste situation in Ilorin to say the least, is becoming quite distressing. Objectives. This study addressed issues relating to waste management and perception of residence to central waste storage in Ilorin metropolis. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents in the three local government that constitute Ilorin metropolis, residents living close to central wastes storages in Ilorin metropolis are purposively chosen and the registered wastes contractors with the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWASEPA). In accomplishing these objectives, both primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data were collected via questionnaires and field observations. Secondary data were extracted from different published and unpublished materials. 120 households located on the main road and close to central wastes storage bins and 30 wastes contractors are administered with questionnaires. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS version 23) for descriptive and inferential at 5% level of significance. Results. The operational capacities of wastes contractors showed a low capacity as 66.7% (20) operate with single rickety truck. Dumpsites accessibility and insufficiency is an impediment as the dumpsite was found to be too far and largely inaccessible. Condition of wastes spillage from the central storage and storage on the road meridians are draw backs to effective wastes management and majority of respondents 66.7% are unhappy. Conclusions It was discovered that central wastes storage system in Ilorin metropolis was not effective with constant incidence of wastes spillages and storage on road meridians. Therefore, capacity and competence should be considered in wastes management contract award, provision of more central wastes storage, establishing wastes transfer station, provision of adequate dumpsites at different local government, public enlightenment, regular trainings for wastes consultant, provision of loans for wastes consultants for acquisition of trucks and proper monitoring by regulatory agency will ensure a clean and sanitary environment in the metropolis.

This study compared the presence of selected heavy metals in Gbagede dumpsite (GD) and Ilokun dumpsite (ID) dumpsite in Kwara and Ekiti State with the host communities Gbagede community (GC) and Ilokun community (IC). Ten soil samples were collected randomly at 10 cm depth, digested and analyzed for Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Zink (Zn) and iron (Fe) respectively. The results were compared with control and standard, and subjected to ecological risk indices: Enrichment factor (EF), Contamination factor (CF), and Index of geo-accumulation (Igeo). Metal concentrations were higher (p < 0.05 except Cu) than the control; ranged from 41.2 times (Mn in GD) to 7.08 times (Zn in ID), GD had highest metals except Cu. Metal concentrations at ID > IC (except Cu) and GD> GC. The standard <Cd and Mn,<Zn at GD and ID, and >Cu at GD and GC. The EF was significant (5≤EF<20) for Zn at GD and ID, and for Mn except at GD where there was a very high (20≤EF<40). Mn and Zn indicated high contamination (Cf≥6) at GD and ID while Cd and Fe indicated moderate contamination (1≤Cf<3) except at IC (Cf<1). Moderately polluted (1<Igeo≤2) effects were shown by Fe except at IC and Mn at GD and GC. Conclusively, it was found that the Dumpsites contributed to soil metal loads and ecological risk.