Physical Composition of Municipal Solid Waste and Nutrient Contents of Its Organic Component in Uyo Municipality,Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted within Uyo metropolis, Nigeria. Three designated dumpsites of municipal solid waste (MSW) were randomly selected for the collection of samples for analysis of the physical and macronutrient contents of their organic fraction. After the waste was sorted, its physical components were determined to be: organic materials (73.7%), plastics/polythene (12.9%), cans/metals (4.3%), bottles/glasses (4.2%), clothes/shoes (4.3%), and ceramics (0.6%). Laboratory analysis of the organic components of the waste indicated that the mean nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents were 11.0, 3.2, and 10.7 g kg^?1, respectively. The mean contents of other elements were calcium (Ca) (87.7 g kg^?1), sodium (Na) (18.4 g kg^?1), and sulfur (S) (2.3 g kg^?1). The mean organic-matter content of the organic components of the waste was 223.7 g kg^?1. Both the physical and macronutrient contents of the waste differed from one location to another within the municipality. The high content of organic matter and some essential macronutrients in the waste suggest its high value for use in the production of organic and organo-mineral fertilizers for sustainable agricultural development.