ABSTRACT

Wood wastes dump sites in three timber markets in Akwa Ibom State; Itam timber market Itu, Utu Edem Usung timber market Ikot Ekpene and Abak timber market were chosen based on the amount of wood waste generated. They were studied to determine the level of environmental contamination by wood waste leachate. I he physicochemical parameters were evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometery to determine the level of environmental contamination by wood waste leachate, the bacterial and fungal flora of the leachate was also determined. The impact of heavy metals on contamination ofsoil and plants was assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometery. The ambient air quality was determined using gas monitors; level of inhalable dust in the wood sheds was determined personal gas sampler. The level of awareness ofthe impact of wood dust on sneezing, nasal congestion, cough and allergy among selected woodworkers was evaluated by questionnaires administered to some randomly selected woodworkers. The result showed significantly high levels (P<0.05) for chloride (4.5 mg/1 and .04mg/l), nitrate ,02mg/I and 2.52mg/ followed by nitrate. Turbidity, BOD and COD were significantly high (P<0.05). BOD ranged between 80 mg/1 andl 16.88mg/l, while COD ranged between 90 mg/I and 130.35 mg/1. The levels of sodium in the wood waste and potassium were significantly high (P<.0.05) and recorded across all the sites There was no significant difference (P> .05) between the total bacterial count of leachate, wood waste and soil There was no significant difference (P>.05) in the total heterotrophic bacterial count. The fungal flora supported by leachate was significantly high (j,<0.05) with Aspergillus sp, Streplomyces sp and Mucor sp recorded. Coliform count, the indicator of the disease causing potential of the leachate was not significantly high (P>0.05). Among the colifoms iden.ificd were Salmonella sp, Shigella sp and Escherichia sp.. Some heavy metals were significantly high (P<0.05). Iron ranged between 0.75 mg/1 and 16.67mg/l in the leachate, lead and manganese following in decreasing order. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the level of heavy metals in the plants that grew on the wood waste. The air quality of the timber markets recorded significantly high levels (P<0.05) of some criteria pollutants. NOz was between .I0mg/m3 and 38 .19 mg/m3; CO 8mg/m’ and 23.54 mg/m3; SOz .45 mg/m' and .53 mg/m3 These values were far above the levels recommended by the / I; regulatory body FEPA. The levels of inhalable dust ranged between 0.8mg/m3 and 1.12mg/m3 in the timber markets. The level of awareness of the impact of wood dust on the health of woodworkers was significantly high (P<0.05). The symptoms evaluated were sneezing, nasal obstruction cough and allergy. This high level of awareness was not reflected in the use of dust mask as a preventive measure when only 4.58% and 5.88% of respondents accepted its use. Workers should be made to see the importance of the use of protecting equipment like nose mask. The results have shown that contamination of the soil by anions and cations and most heavy metals is minimal except for iron