Dump Sites Location and its Health Implications within the Polytechnic, Ibadan using Geographical Information System Approach

Abstract

This study examines the distribution of dump sites within The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria. IKONOS Satellite imagery was acquired and processed for proper identification of the existing dump sites. Field data were acquired using Global Positioning System (Garmin GPS 72csx). Image and data processing as well as database creation was done using ArcGIS 10.5 (Arcmap 10.5). Legal and illegal dump sites were identified and mapped out and as well as the proximity of the dump sites to roads, residential areas and waterways in the study area were determined. Composite map and spatial analysis map queries were produced. From the result, it shows that eleven (11) legal dump sites and twenty four (24) illegal dump sites were within the study area. World standards on dump sites conformity were considered. From the result in the study area, it shows that there are more illegal dump sites than legal dump sites. Based on proximity of the dump sites to the roads, waterways and built up areas, many of the dump site were very close to buildings where they only not destroy the aesthetic value of the areas but also constitute breeding grounds for vectors like flies, rodents, mosquitoes, which transmit diseases like typhoid fever, malaria, cholera and laser fever which are part of the killer diseases in Nigeria and most of the African countries. Therefore, the study recommends that more legal dump sites should be created and monitored in the study area, most especially in the Northern parts the study area since the population there is high. Also, students as well as staff should be well educated on the risk associated with indiscriminate refuse disposal.