Environmental Health Impacts of Sand Dredging on Riverside Communities in Delta State, South South Nigeria

Sand dredging activities along river channels in Delta State have been associated with habitat destruction, water turbidity, bank erosion, and community health impacts. This study assessed the environmental health impacts of sand dredging on riverside communities along the Ethiope River in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire interviews with 280 community residents, complemented by water turbidity measurements and soil erosion assessments at active dredging sites. Focus group discussions were conducted separately with men, women, and youth to capture diverse perspectives on dredging impacts. Results showed that turbidity levels in water samples collected near active dredging sites were eight to twelve times higher than samples from control sites upstream. Ninety-one percent of respondents reported decline in fish catch since dredging activities began, affecting livelihoods of dependent fishing families. Waterborne disease incidence, particularly dysentery and skin infections, increased in the post-dredging period according to community health worker records. Bank erosion was documented along six kilometres of riverbank, displacing three households in the assessment period. Respiratory complaints associated with dust from dredge material transport were reported by forty-seven percent of communities adjacent to sand stockpile areas. The study recommends environmental impact assessment enforcement before dredging permits are issued, community benefit-sharing mechanisms, and establishment of exclusion zones near community water abstraction points. Keywords: sand dredging, Delta State, water quality, community health, environmental impact.