Plastic Bags: Usage, Disposal and their Adverse Effects on Human Health and Environment in Kontagora Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Plastics are widely employed in our daily lives, and modern development would undoubtedly look very different without them. Waste from plastic bags seriously pollutes the environment and endangers both human and environmental health. In nations like Nigeria that are economically underdeveloped, the situation is even worse. This study’s goal is to evaluate plastic bag consumption and its effects on the environment and people in Kontagora Metropolis, Niger State. A sample size of 400 was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formula. The respondents’ answers to a standardized questionnaire were gathered for data collection. Regardless of age, occupation, economic status, or level of education, the majority of respondents (76.3%) said they use plastic bags more frequently than any other plastic product. Easy availability (61.8%) and low cost (64.5%) were the primary drivers of these items' widespread use. Out of all the methods for getting rid of plastic bag garbage, open dumping into the neighborhood (52.3%) was one that practically every city dweller used. Sewage line blockages (74.3%), declining environmental beauty (63.3%), and issues with human health (51.3%) were some of the main issues. The study's conclusions also showed that, although locals are well aware of the harmful consequences of plastic bags, there is a trend towards increased use of these items on occasion. It was concluded that the majority of Kontagora town's citizens routinely dispose of plastic debris in the surrounding area carelessly, exposing them to dangerous chemicals. The study suggests using environmentally friendly materials (bags) made of paper, natural fibre, and clothing, or it offers a way to conduct studies on waxworms and mealworms, which have the capacity to consume and metabolize polythene and polystyrene at a rate that is unparalleled