Environmental Assessment of Industrial Zones and Health Impacts in Nnewi, Anambra State

Nnewi, Anambra State's principal industrial town in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone, hosts a high concentration of auto parts manufacturing, battery recycling, chemical blending, and generator production enterprises whose waste streams and emissions generate significant environmental and public health concerns for surrounding residential communities. This study conducts an environmental assessment of industrial activity in Nnewi and examines associated health impacts in proximate communities using air and water quality monitoring, health outcome data analysis, and community exposure surveys. Air quality monitoring at 15 stations within and adjacent to four industrial clusters measured PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds over an eight-week period in 2023. Surface water and groundwater samples from 24 locations within a two-kilometre industrial buffer zone were analysed for heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and biochemical oxygen demand. Health facility records from two hospitals and a primary health centre in Nnewi North LGA were reviewed to extract respiratory disease, dermatological condition, and lead poisoning consultation rates for 2021 to 2023. Community household surveys with 320 residents assessed self-reported symptoms, source of drinking water, and perceived environmental conditions. Results confirm that PM2.5 concentrations at industrial perimeter stations consistently exceed WHO 24-hour guideline values by factors of 3 to 7. Hospital records show respiratory and skin condition rates among residents within 500 metres of industrial clusters that are 2.9 times higher than the state average. Recommendations include mandatory industrial emission controls, health impact assessment requirements, and community health monitoring programmes. Keywords: industrial environment, air quality, health impacts, Nnewi, South East Nigeria.