GIS APPLICATION IN DOMESTIC WASTEWATER DISPOSAL OF TOILET DISPOSAL FACILITIES IN BIDA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater into the environment is a serious source of health problems and environmental pollutions globally including Nigeria. This study applied GlS technique to evaluate the toilet facilities for domestic wastewater disposals and the associated impacts on public health and the environment in Bida, Niger State. Two hundred and forty households were sampled in the study area. Global Position System (GPS) receiver was used to obtain the geospatial data (3- D coordinates) of the sampled households. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain the attribute data for the households. GlS database was created for the sampled households. The results of the study shows that about fifty percent (50%) of the sampled population make use of non-standard toilet facilities for domestic wastewater disposals. Sixty six percent (66%) of the pit latrines and soakaways are located within thirty meters (30m) to wells/boreholes thereby exposing the users of such wells/boreholes to health problems. GlS query was used to indicate the locations with the highest and least non-standard toilet facilities for domestic wastewater disposals. It is recommended that GlS should be used to prepare a comprehensive database of domestic wastewater disposal facilities for the study area, formal and informal education, legislation, enforcement, adequate monitoring and management as solution to the high level of non-standard toilet disposal facilities and the associated adverse consequence.