Vol 2 _1_ - Cont. J Water, Air and Soil Pollution - Wilolud Journals

Ukpong, E. C and Peter, Chamberlain M Continental J. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 2 (1): 31 – 41, 2011DISCUSSIONTechnological advances continued during the first half of the 20 th century, including the development of garbagegrinders, compaction trucks and pneumatic collection systems. By mid-century, however, it had become evidentthat open dumping and improper incineration of polyethylene waste were causing problems of pollution andpublic health. As a result, sanitary landfills were developed to replace the practice of open dumping and toreduce the reliance on polyethylene waste incineration. New refuse incinerators of polyethylene were designedto recover heat energy from the waste and were provided with extensive air-pollution controls devices to satisfystringent standards of air quality.SUMMARYThe study was carried out to investigate the environmental pollutant caused by polyethylene materials inNigeria. Relevant literature such as classification of polyethylene, effects of polyethylene waste on theenvironment; effect of polyethylene waste on engineering soil, methods of polyethylene treatment andpolyethylene waste as a toxic pollutant were reviewed.This research work was based on the generation of polyethylene materials, it recycling into a by-product for theproduction of a new polyethylene product.CONCLUSIONPolyethylene waste generation was found to be higher during the dry season months (November – March) thanthe wet season months (April – October) with the least in the month of June. None foodstuff markets dominatedby male traders who depend solely on wrapped food items with polyethylene had the highest cellophanegeneration. Cellophane generation was also higher in the markets than at homes. This is so because at homes,most food is served with plates and the consumption of table water and ice cream are considerably reduced. Alarger proportion of the respondents prefer the use of polyethylene as wrappers, to newspaper and local naturalleaves because of its cheapness, neatness and readily availability. Generally, respondents use polyethylene forshopping.Polyethylene is a major source of environmental degradation in Nigeria, and this form of environmental abuse isworst in the urban areas.For a cleaner and sustainable environment therefore, massive awareness campaign and enlightenment about thedanger cellophane poses to our environment should be vigorously carried out. Government should providepublic waste bins mainly for polyethylene materials in strategic positions for the collection of this waste.The ministry of environment should employ more personnel. The government and individuals should considerrecycling option of polyethylene material as the best option of treating its waste.REFERENCESArup, C. Mandira, M. J. and Basudam, A. (2006). Indian Journal of Chemical Technology, Vol. 13.Aziegbe, F. I. (2007). Seasonality and Environmental Impact Status of Polyethylene in Benin City: NigeriaJournal of Human Ecology 22(2) 141 – 147.Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) (1998). Industrial Pollution, Policy and Management Study.A World Bank- funded Project, Geomatics Nigeria Limited, Nigeria.Green Living Tips, (2009). Waste decomposition rates, www.greenlivingtips..com/articles/311/1/wastedecomposition-rates.html.Ibanga, F. M. (2000). Polymer Waste Treatment of Effluents and Sediments from Plastic Company.Unpublished Research Project, Department of Chemistry, Uniuyo.Izugbara, C. O. and Umoh, J. O. (2004). Indigenous Waste Management Practices among the Ngwa SouthEastern Nigeria: The Environmentalist 24(2): 87-92.Awomeso, J.A. and Taiwa (2010). Environmental Science Publication.40