Assessment of Medical Waste Disposal and Environmental Implications in Uyo City Metropolis

Abstract

Indiscriminate dumping of infectious and toxic medical wastes generated from the
hospital as well as open burning of these wastes are becoming prevalent in recent
times. This usually result in several health and environmental problems. The
objective of this study was to determine the soil elemental compositions in hospital
waste disposal sites in Uyo metropolis. The study areas, included Uniuyo Teaching
Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Uniuyo Medical Centre and Children Hospital.
Underlying soil samples in the waste disposal sites were collected in a cellophane
bag and tied properly to prevent air ingress. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer
was employed to determine trace metals present in the waste disposal sites which
were compared to World Health Organization Standards. The results were
analyzed using statistical analysis, ANOVA. Results obtained from the atomic
absorption spectrophotometer revealed that each of the samples contained one of
the following elements such Pb, Ni, Cr, As, Cd, Al. The ANOVA results showed
that mean values of the heavy metals were within WHO permissible limit, like lead
Pb (1.302) at the children hospital site, Nickel Ni (0.448) at Uniuyo Teaching
Hospital site, Aluminum Ai (0.486333) at the Uniuyo Medical Centre site, Arsenic
As (0.239333) at the control site. Except chromium Cr (0.343667) at the children
hospital site that was above the WHO standard. From the result of the statistical
analysis, it was observed that medical wastes had a significant effect on the
environment of Uyo metropolis. Based on the findings, it is recommended that
effective method of waste segregation and disposal should be implemented, and
designated sites should be used as dump sites.