Journal of Environmental Sciences

Assessment of the Environmental Impact and Awareness of Solid Waste Disposal in Jos Urban Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Solomon Z. WUYEP, Selzing P. MUSA, Edward Y. BIOLTIF, Larai BEKA — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Rapid development and population growth have led to a surge in waste generation. Noncompliance with best practices for environmental waste disposal has led to escalating environmental impacts; however, this practice has drastic public health risks in the Jos urban area. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the study areas. Random sampling method was used in selecting 600 respondents. One hundred questionnaires were administered to each of the six settlements selected. Both descriptive and five-point Likert statistics were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that females are more engaged in environmental management than their male counterparts. There is inadequate awareness and education about waste disposal among respondents, distance to the point of disposal and inadequate disposal facilities are major factors influencing proper waste disposal. In addition, the findings indicated that respondents are knowledgeable that poor solid waste disposal creates a dirty environment thus, leads to pest infestations and spread diseases among communities. The results showed that respondents are aware that bad and offensive odors pollute the environment hence affect their health. It is recommended that communities should be educated on proper waste disposal and its health impact. Environmental monitoring by Ministries of Health and the Environment should be conducted for physicochemical analysis of underground- water which are closer to solid waste disposal sites to detect evidence of contamination. Monthly sanitation exercise should be reintroduced. Adequate containers within communities at short intervals should be provided.

Effect of Fiber Orientation on the Tensile Properties of Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite

Adole Michael ADOLE — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing awareness on the relevant of protecting the environment and the demand for sustainable structures have motivated researchers to develop new bio-based composites that can minimize the harmful effect to the environment. Thus, this study highlights the effects of fiber orientation on the tensile properties of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) reinforced with unidirectional (UD) continuous kenaf fiber. To this end, the kenaf fiber reinforced polyester composite was fabricated in a unidirectional orientation with fiber volume fraction of 40%. Consequently, the kenaf fiber reinforced polyester composite was subjected to tensile tests in the longitudinal (0°) fiber orientation, transverse (90°) fiber orientation and diagonal (45°) fiber orientation. Also, the plain polyester matrix tensile test was considered and used as reference point. The result of tests showed that the tensile stiffness for 0^o and 90^o fiber orientation is 21257.80 MPa and 2864.45 MPa, while the tensile strength are 179.30 MPa and 11.84 MPa respectively. Also, the 45° tensile stiffness and 45° tensile strength are 1736.83 MPa and 10.77 MPa respectively. The results demonstrated that the composites with 0^o fiber orientation had the best mechanical performance, followed by those with 90^o and 45^o fiber orientations respectively. Hence, this current improvement in performance of UD KFRP composite at 0^ofiber orientation may potentially replace conventional synthetic fibers, especially for structural applications.

An Assessment of the Influence of Passive Cooling Strategies on Level of Thermal Comfort in Selected Office Buildings in Abuja, Nigeria

Adedapo A. OLUWATAYO, Miracle D. NDUKA — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Buildings contribute significantly to global energy consumption, with cooling needs forming a substantial part of this demand. Passive cooling techniques present an energy-efficient alternative, promoting occupant comfort while reducing energy costs. This study analyzed the influence of passive cooling strategies on thermal comfort within office buildings in Abuja, Nigeria. Specifically, it evaluated current practices, analyzed implementation patterns, and provided recommendations for improved adoption. A quantitative research approach was employed, involving data collection through questionnaires distributed to 73 participants across three office buildings, with a response rate of 90%. The data, analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, revealed that most respondents (69.7%) reported discomfort. Regression analysis identified 15 significant factors affecting thermal comfort, including operable windows, courtyards, and window-to-wall area ratios, which had positive effects, while factors such as external insulation and vertical air shafts negatively impacted comfort. These findings offer insights into designing more sustainable and energy-efficient office environments, ultimately enhancing occupant well-being and productivity.

An Assessment of Sustainable Design Strategies Applied in Selected Mixed-Use Facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria

Akunnaya P. OPOKO, Korede JAMES, Vincent Onyedikachi ENE — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid urbanization in developing nations has intensified the need for sustainable mixed-use developments, particularly in megacities like Lagos, Nigeria. This study assessed the implementation of sustainable design strategies in selected mixed-use facilities in Lagos State, focusing on sustainable site development and energy efficiency measures. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable design implementations and identify factors influencing their adoption, examining two prominent case studies: Nestoil Towers and Kings Tower in Victoria Island. Using a qualitative research approach, the study employed structured observations, photographic documentation, and architectural documentation review to assess sustainable design features. The findings reveal varying levels of success in sustainability implementation, with energy efficiency measures achieving significantly higher scores (78-85%) compared to site sustainability measures (42-55%). Both facilities demonstrated strong performance in technological integration and innovative design solutions, achieving energy consumption reductions of 27-31%. However, challenges persist in site sustainability aspects, particularly in vegetation preservation and tree retention. These findings provide valuable insights for both new construction and existing building retrofits, informing strategies for enhancing sustainability in current structures through phased improvements, system upgrades, and adaptive reuse approaches. The study recommends enhanced focus on site sustainability measures, integrated design approaches for future developments, and systematic retrofit strategies for existing buildings to improve their environmental performance. These recommendations contribute to the broader agenda of sustainable urban development in developing nations.

Developing a Conceptual Framework for Assessing Community-Based Thrifts for Self-Help Housing Projects in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria

Laraba Y. BABAS, Lura Yohanna NUHU, Yakubu Nehemiah SANDA — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The development of conceptual framework has become a necessary component of postgraduate studies especially in the built environment and allied disciplines. However, the development of such frameworks is highly challenging to postgraduate students, upcoming researchers and supervisors. This paper attempts at presenting a generic process for developing a conceptual framework for postgraduate studies in the built environment using thrift associations for self-help housing. The study therefore presents a conceptual framework for assessing the suitability of community-based thrifts for self-help housing. Being ongoing doctoral research, the purpose of the conceptual framework is to use it for the study and to serve as a guide to upcoming researchers. The conceptual framework is based on extensive review of related literature in the area of thrift associations. It begins with exploring related theories and identified essential variables of thrift associations. The paper described some forms of thrift associations, major factors influencing thrifts as well as the basic elements that influence the effectiveness of thrift associations in the execution of self-help housing projects. The study concludes that, when necessary, questions are asked and the answers obtained are in the affirmative, such thrift associations would be suitable for self-help housing.

Exploring Theoretical Framework: Propensity of Nigerian Indigenous Construction Firms for Expansion into the International Market

Mohammed Isa YUSUF, Natalia A. ANIGBOGU, Audu Ibrahim Isa DAKAS — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Expansion of firms into the International Construction Market (ICM) is a well-established area of research in international construction literature. However, in Nigeria studies were mainly on the plight of Nigerian Indigenous Construction Firms (NICFs) and the dominance of the Nigerian construction industry by Multinational Corporations (MNCs). It is a matter of concern that there is no known study that explored the internationalisation of NICFs with a view to integrating NICFs into the ICM in view of the benefits which include prestige, opportunity for growth, increased profits, risk sharing among others. This paper presents a theoretical framework for expansion of NICFs into the ICM with a view to integrating NICFs into the ICM. The paper used the literature review approach and content analysis for the study and adopted three independent but interrelated theories; the Resource based view theory, the Network theory, and the Institutional theory to explain the internationalisation of NICFs, and to develop the theoretical framework. The research has implications on theory, policy and practice: It will elicit government’s support towards policy formulation on internationalisation and positively influence managers of NICFs to strategically consider expansion of NICFs into the ICM. It will also stimulate further research into this important area in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

Paths to Mixed-Function for Sustainable Development of Peri-Urban Settlement of Kabuga Kano, Nigeria.

Mathew Okopi Unah, Sani Muhammad ALI — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Over the past years Kano metropolis and it peri-urban settlement has constantly being urbanized with path to mixed-functions development of emerging high density vertical architecture of public buildings which by location has enhance and induce proper sustainable urban smart growth and renewal that has taken the center stage to improvement of the socio-economic activities of the built environment at the detriment of land-use conversion as a consequence of urban planning. The paper aimed at assessing mixed-function development in Kabuga and its peri-urban fringe environs. The study comprised of two stages- the first phase collected data from respondents using questionnaires to rate their level of satisfaction with key aspects of the predominance conversion of mixed-function development types, direction of predominant development conversion and implication, while the second phase collected data based on non-participant observation schedule and several field survey that dwelt on the appraisal of the effectiveness of mixed- function development. Data were collected and analyses using descriptive and inferential statistics and were presented. using mean weighted score (MWS) as an indicator and scoring system criteria derived based on likert –type scale 1-5 to measured respondent’s degree of satisfaction significance and standard deviation (STD) rank on their Relative Importance Index (RII). The study concludes by recommending ways to ensure orderly development of the study area in order to sustain and improve its serviceability that will enhance effective development mechanism and eventually create a conducive living, working and recreating and environment.

Sustaining Ethical Standard among Building Contractors in Nigeria

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Building contractors play important role in the implementation of public building projects for the benefit and growth of the country. These contractors usually performed below expectations due to many challenges they encountered while performing their roles in the industry. The aim of this study is to identify the strategies that will sustain ethical standard among building contractors in Nigeria. This study used quantitative research method and questionnaires were used to obtain relevant information from the contractors and professionals involved directly in the implementation of public construction projects in the country. 231 respondents from the client organization, consultancy firms and contractors participated in the study. The results showed that transparency and accountability in contract administration, hiring right personnel and adhering to legislative laws that spell out punishment for any unethical practice are the three main strategies that could ensure ethical standard among the building contractors. It is recommended that the participants in the public building projects should implement these measures for better government projects development and delivery.

Revitalizing Neighbourhoods Through Household Enterprises: A Replanning Strategy for Nigerian Cities

Adams Ndalai BABA — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The relationship between the home environment and economic activities has not been fully appreciated in housing studies despite the UN-Habitat and the draft National Housing Policy (2012) of Nigeria that encourage operations of enterprises especially in low income housing development. It is against this backdrop that this research established the significance of enterprises in households and neighbourhoods in formal housing. Adopting a case study approach in Lokoja urban area in Nigeria, this study is aimed at creating productive households with capacity to revitalize neighbourhoods without compromising planning standards. Efforts were made to measure the extent of the relationship between enterprise location and satisfaction derivatives of operators, the implications of current household entrepreneurial practices on neighbourhoods and applying suitable best planning approaches that can accommodate enterprise in neighbourhoods. Entrepreneurs’ life satisfaction variables and workplace measurements were carried out to determine the level of satisfaction and compliance to extant physical planning standards respectively. A structural equation modelling of the life satisfaction variables shows satisfactory goodness of fit among accepted determinants of the model. however, a descriptive analysis of the qualitative study on the location of enterprises revealed that 49.6% operators are found in locations that contravene planning regulations. Neighbourhoods’ rehabilitation strategies to accommodate alternative workplace locations close to the homes were recommended.