Paper Key : IRJ************254
Author: Benjamin Sunday Agule,Peter Anule,Peverga Daniel Dam,Msughter Gyanggyang Ierve,Achagh Vambe
Date Published: 03 Apr 2025
Abstract
The study assessed the effects of plaster sand excavation on the physical environment of Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria. The research adopted a multi-stage sampling method. Judgment sampling technique was used to select sites of sand excavation for measurement. Simple random sampling was used to collect data on the effects of sand excavation, and structured interviews for residents 500m close to the excavation sites. A total of 100 respondents were randomly interviewed. The study strongly agrees that sand excavation is the cause of pollution in the study area with a mean of 3.59, the study revealed that sand excavation is helping in building and construction with a mean of 3.75 also, sand excavation is a cause of Soil Erosion in the study area with the mean of 3.13. Sand excavation is the cause of deforestation in the study area with a mean of 3.18, sand excavation rendered some places not habitable in the study area with a mean of 3.27, sand excavation is destroying farmlands in the study area with a mean of 3.36, sand Excavation is destroying ecosystem with the mean of 2.7, sand excavation is causing water scarcity in the study area with the mean of 2.74.sand excavation is causing soil deterioration in the study area with a mean of 3.05. The researcher observed that plaster sand excavation is taking over some farmlands, forestvegetation and habitable areas. Affectingcausing erosion, pollution and destroying the ecosystem in the study area. The study concludes that the current practices at plaster sand excavation sites are causing significant pollution, deforestation, and land degradation. The study recommended individuals, government and non-governmental organizations to implement measures of mitigating soil erosion caused by plaster sand excavation, such as re-vegetation of mined areas, terracing, or erosion control structures, measures to prevent soil deterioration resulting from sand mining, such as soil conservation practices and land rehabilitation efforts. Regulations to mitigate pollution caused by sand excavation, such as promoting cleaner extraction techniques.
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