Unsustainable management of wastewater and brewing effluents: The impacts on socioeconomy and environment, Lagos and Niger Delta region, Nigeria

Abstract

Wastewater mismanagement poses a threat to economic growth and long term prosperity of many countries around the world specially developing ones. Waste is regarded as redundant products, with no marginal value by the owner but impact negatively to the environment and human well-being. Wastewater treatment or reuse does not only improve the promotion of environment and healthy ecosystems but sustains it for long period. Sustainable wastewater management is crucial especially in Niger Delta where water scarcity is enormous. Socio-economic importance of wastewater control especially by municipals, brewery and industries cannot be overemphasized. Though combinations of effluents, oil spills, etc. contribute over 95% of environmental pollution in Nigeria, our focus is on inefficiency of wastewater treatment plants. This study examines the exposure of poor management of wastewater, brewery effluents in Niger delta eco-zones and Lagos state. Multiple Exposure, Multiple Effects (MEME) descriptive method of analysis was used. Based on expository founding that humans, flora and fauna were exposed to the danger of wastewater pollutions in both regions. Conclusion was made based on government priority. The study will be beneficial to brewery industries, government monitoring agencies/institutions, researchers for further improvement especially in the area of mind-set change.