1.1 Introduction
Plastics are durable, lightweight and inexpensive materials, which moulds readily into a variety of products with wide range of applications. Over the last 60 years, production of plastics had witnessed remarkable increase and is proposed to be used in solving other global pressing problems. Increasing demand and usage of plastics, and its disposal has resulted in several environmental pollution burden on both land and water habitats threatening the safety and health of wildlife, aquatic life and humans. Economic growth, changing consumption and production patterns are resulting into rapid increase in generation of waste plastics globally. Increasing attention has been paid to plastic waste by policymakers, scientists and the media. Since plastics are non-biodegradable in nature, it is very difficult to eliminate the waste plastics.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The plastics waste industry has seen increasing pressure in recent years due to a steady rise in waste production (Burnley, 2007), fuelled by increasing population growth, rapid urbanisation (Agdag, 2008) and the need for more sustainable and environmentally acceptable waste management strategies (Hazra and Goel, 2008). The increasing quest for better quality of life is an unending goal for the people of this world. This has contributed to the increased consumption of goods and services, resulting in the generation of waste. Plastics have become an integral part of our lives, its wide use in various sectors and its ever-expanding applications has been of enormous benefits to the society. The amounts of plastics consumed annually have been growing steadily (Kumar, 2017; Kaza et al., 2018).
Being a versatile, light weight, strong and potentially transparent material, plastics are the drivers for its growth and ideal suitability for a variety of applications. Their low cost, excellent oxygen/moisture barrier properties, bio-inertness and light weight make them excellent packaging materials. Besides its wide use in packaging, automotive and industrial applications, they are extensively used in medical delivery systems, artificial implants and other healthcare applications, water desalination and removal of bacteria etc (Vermaet al., 2016; Okon, 2018). Usage of plastics, in preservation and distribution of food, housing and appliances are too many to mention. Specially designed plastics, have been an integral part of the communication and electronics industry, especially in the manufacture of chips and compartments. They are also used in alternative energy systems such as fuel cells, batteries (Babayemi et al., 2018).
Meanwhile, increasing plastic production and use in emerging economies looks set to continue, and waste management infrastructure will have to develop accordingly (Uwaegbulam et al., 2018). Unfortunately, the properties of plastic that make it so valuable also make its disposal problematic, such as its durability, light weight and low cost. In many cases plastics are thrown away after one use, especially packaging and sheeting, but because they are durable, they persist in the environment (Hopewell et al., 2009)
However, as the use of plastic in modern society has increased, so too have the environmental impacts associated with its production and disposal. UNEP (2018) highlighted the environmental costs of plastic use in consumer World population, which surpassed 7 billion in 2011, is forecast to exceed 9 billion by2050. It is feared that the growing demand for resources will facilitate an increase in resource consumption and waste generation, contribute to deterioration of the natural environment and climate change, and impact future generations (Ogwo et al., 2013).
To solve poverty, hunger, and environmental problems and achieve sustainable development in diverse ways while dealing with this increase in world population, it is generally acknowledged that a multifaceted approach that integrates economic, social, and environmental aspects is needed as it could help to address some of the world‘s most pressing problems, such as climate change and food shortages. For example, plastics are used in the manufacture of rotors for wind turbines and tunnels made from polyethylene can help crops grow in otherwise unfavorable conditions (Oyake-Ombis et al., 2015).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Effective Impact of Utilising Waste Plastics to Solving Environmental Pollution.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that Nigerian waste management strategies have historically focused on collection and storage (Banar et al., 2008). For many parts of Nigeria this strategy is still favoured (Babayemi and Dauda, 2009), particularly in Makurdi where waste is dumped in an uncontrolled landfill close to the city limits. Concomitantly, Waste plastics are also dumped at roadsides at a rate that collections are unable to keep pace with and, as such, roads are often blocked by excess waste.
Waste Management has proved a huge challenge for local authorities in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented various laws and regulations in an attempt to tackle the problem, however, insufficient funds are available at the local level to invest in either training or the technical resources that are needed to tackle waste problems (Ogwueleka, 2009).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Effective Impact of Utilising Waste Plastics to Solving Environmental Pollution. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the level of waste plastics utilization in Solving Environmental Pollution
- To evaluate the current severities of plastic wastes worldwide and mitigate the impact of plastic waste on the environment.
- To assess the menace of plastic pollution, opportunities in plastic recycling, government policies and technological efforts in the development of plastic recycling.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the level of waste plastics utilization in Solving Environmental Pollution?
- What is the current severities of plastic wastes worldwide and mitigate the impact of plastic waste on the environment?
- What is the menace of plastic pollution, opportunities in plastic recycling, government policies and technological efforts in the development of plastic recycling?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to civil engineers and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Effective Impact of Utilising Waste Plastics to Solving Environmental Pollution in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Waste Prevention: It is the method of eliminating waste at source and reducing the demand on natural or origin resources.
Waste Recycles: This is the method of breaking down the waste items into raw material.
Hazardous Wastes: These are wastes that pose substantial or potential threats to public health or environments
Aquifers: These are underground layers of porous rocks or sand that allows the movement of water between layers of non-porous rocks (sand stone, gravel or fractured lime stone or granite).
Waste Re-Use: It is the method of using a waste product from one process as a raw material to form another.
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