Environmental And Health Hazards Of Generator Usage In Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Umudike:- Nwokocha, Chinwendu P

ABSTRACT xiii Environmental and health hazards of generator usage in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) was an analytical and quasi experimental study. A preliminary environmental survey of the power houses/generator stations was undertaken to establish sampling points.The samples collected were soil samples (for capillarity,pH,bulk density,porosity,moisture and total aerobic microbial counts). Noise level was equally established with digital noise meter when generators were in service. In addition,air pollutants like CO2,particulate matters etc.were analyzed (using digital meters). Subsequently, well-structured questionnaire was distributed to respondents to establish the health and socio-economic implications of generator usage. All the analyses were in conformity with the international standards and principles ofscientific investigation. Severity rating for identified hazards was adopted and the technique used for evaluating the risk level was the calculation ofthe Risk Priority Value (RPV), which is quantitative estimate ofthe risk associated with each hazards. The Risk Priority Value was assigned to each hazard based on two factors: probability of occurance and severity. The environmental surveillance shows engine oil spillage within the immediate surroundings ofthe generator at MOUAU Admin block and School generator. Improper socketing e.g. using naked wire terminal instead of normal socket plug were recorded at College ofManagementscience (COLMAS). The aerobic bacterial count recorded were as follows: College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (CNREM) 1.4 x 105cfu/g, Admin 3.3 x 105cfu/g, College of Engineering And Engineering Technology (CEET)2.1 x 105cfu/g, School Gen. 2.6 xl05cfu/g, COLMAS 4.2 x 10s cfii/g. The corresponding fungal count (cfu/g) were as follows: CNREM 3.8 x 105cfu/g, Admin 1.8 x 103cfu/g, School Gen 1.3 xlO cfu/g, CEET 3.8 x 104cfu/g and COLMAS 4.4 x 105cfu/g.In addition,the bulk densities (g/ml) of the soil recorded were CEET 1.18g/ml, CNREM 1.006g/ml, School Gen 1.31 g/ml, Admin 1.43g/ml, COLMAS 0.93g/ml.The mean values of noise recorded were: COLMAS 92.715dB, CEET 94.67dB, Admin 98.67dB, School Gen 98.73dB, and CNREM 94.67dB. The mean CO2 emission were 37.825 (Admin), 39.77 (School gen), 19.835 (CNREM), 27.865 (CEET) and 22.115 (COLMAS).The study has shown the environmental and health challenges ofgenerator usage, there was noticeable hearing impairment ofsome ofthe operators of the School generator and generator at Admin block. Some respondents were regular asthma patients. It therefore becomes imperative to adopt alternative energy sources and create awareness on the health and environmental implications of electricity generators usage.