Open AccessCOVID-19 MATERIALS WASTE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND SUSTAINABILITY IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
Author(s) -
Onugha,
Augustine Chimeebere
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of engineering applied science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2455-2143
DOI - 10.33564/ijeast.2020.v05i01.130
Subject(s) - covid-19 , sustainability , state (computer science) , environmental planning , environmental resource management , geography , business , environmental science , medicine , outbreak , ecology , computer science , virology , biology , disease , pathology , algorithm , infectious disease (medical specialty)
The rising challenges of sustainably handling contagious material leftovers necessitated an investigation into covid-19 materials waste management techniques and sustainability in Rivers State, south-south Nigeria. The quantitative study adopted the correlational research design. A sample of 245 respondents (comprising 40 medical practitioners, 60 public health officials, 90 waste workers, 10 RIWAMA staff, and 45 environmentalists) participated in the study. A 30item 3 environmental experts validated 4-point scale instrument titled “COVID-19 material waste management and sustainability Inventory” (COMWMSI) with a reliability coefficient of 0.835 was used to elicit data analyzed using regression analysis. The study revealed that: the technique for stowing, collection and disposal of gloves residues statistically and significantly contributed 28.6%, 29.0%, and 25.5% respectively, to sustainability in Rivers State, Nigeria. While the technique for stowing, collection and disposal of masks residues statistically and significantly contributed 26.4%, 23.4%, and 23.2% respectively, to sustainability in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study recommended among others that: regulatory authorities should sensitize the populace on proper waste management techniques (like safe handling, storing, collection and disposal including disinfection of trash bins) for materials like gloves and masks thereby, helping reduce the impending threats to human and environmental health.