Assessment of the Effect of Sachet Water Waste on the Environment in Wushishi, Niger State.

This study aimed to assess the environmental effects of sachet water waste on the environment and to isolate and possibly identify bacteria that are likely connected to the sachet's biodegradation from degraded soil. Sachet water is packaged in polyethylene bags that are not biodegradable or decay, and when burned, produces oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur. It can also be found on streets, in drainage systems, and even in our water bodies, leading to pollution and ecological damage. The accumulation of sachet water waste blocks drainage system, increasing the risk of flooding during the rainy season. Questionnaire was used for data collection. This study have been able to establish that sachet water wastes have consumed 70% of the land in the study area, hinting at the possibility of the sachet water wastes in the study area affecting the ecological footprint of the town on one hand and causing health and safety challenges on the other; although safety was found 5th in ranking to be the least consideration by the residents of Wushishi in the choice of sachet water that they consume. Similarly, the sachet water waste disposal methods in the study area were largely environmentally unfriendly and unsustainable. The study therefore recommends serious enlightenment on the need for adequate water consumption in line with established global standards; and a public-private partnership network aimed at creating sustainable waste disposal and management system for the town; creating designated waste collection/disposal and management spot which should be subjected to periodic fumigation to curb the development and spread of disease pathogens.