ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH E-WASTE IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The rapid increase in the use of electrical and electronic equipment has triggered a surge in e-waste-one of the fastest growing waste streams globally. In Nigeria, informal recycling is predominant due to massive imports of used electronics and weak regulations. This study assessed environmental management practices, radiological hazards effects, and health risks in selected computer villages in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was adopted. We collected data from 150 respondents (100 e-waste workers and 50 nearby residents) using structured questionnaires, a standardized observation checklist (administered over multiple sessions), and key informant interviews with 10 stakeholders. Soil samples (n = 20) were analyzed for natural radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) using high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometry, and radiological hazard indices were calculated following UNSCEAR and ICRP guidelines. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square test, t-test, and analysis of variance) were performed using SPSS version 26.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results showed overwhelmingly rudimentary practices: manual dismantling (91.3%–94.0%), open burning (≈80%), mixed storage of hazardous components (86.3%), and extremely low PPE usage (respiratory protection in only 6.5% of observations). On-site dumping and burning are the dominant disposal methods. Soil analysis revealed moderately elevated ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th levels at active sites compared with the control, with absorbed dose rates, annual effective doses, and excess lifetime cancer risk exceeding world averages at high-intensity burning locations, while other hazard indices remained below international limits. Self-reported health symptoms, including lower back pain (75%), persistent cough/wheezing (68%), cuts/burns (72%), and eye irritation (55%), were highly prevalent among workers. Smoke and dust inhalation (82.7%) was the dominant exposure pathway. Nearby residents also reported notable symptoms, indicating a community-wide exposure. The study concludes that informal e-waste recycling in computer villages in Port Harcourt poses significant environmental and public health risks due to primitive methods and inadequate protection. To mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable e-waste management in the Niger Delta region, it is strongly recommended to strengthen the enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), provide occupational health training and PPE, implement regular environmental and radiological monitoring, and facilitate a structured transition to formalized recycling systems.