Residents' Knowledge and Perception of Environmental and Health Risks from Landfill Leachate Pollution around the Solous Landfill, Lagos, Nigeria

Accelerating urbanization in developing nations intensifies solid waste management challenges, particularly where inadequate landfill practices pose severe health and environmental hazards. This study examined community knowledge, risk perceptions, and awareness of environmental and health risks associated with the Solous Landfill in Lagos, Nigeria. A mixed-methods research design, integrating quantitative statistical analysis (descriptive statistics, chi-square tests of independence, and Pearson correlation coefficients) with qualitative thematic content analysis was employed. The study focused on community perceptions rather than direct environmental measurements such as water or air quality testing.  Data were obtained through questionnaires administered to 140 respondents and focus group discussions involving 16 purposively selected community members. Findings revealed substantial awareness of leachate-associated risks: 78.6% of respondents acknowledged health implications, while 84.3% recognised environmental threats. Educational attainment, age, and occupational status emerged as significant determinants of awareness (p < 0.05). Approximately 63.6% of participants reported psychological distress attributed to offensive odour, water quality deterioration, and inadequate confidence in landfill management systems. A positive correlation was identified between health and environmental risk awareness (r = 0.635, p < 0.01). Qualitative data confirmed widespread concern regarding groundwater pollution and strong community support for landfill relocation, underscoring deficient trust in existing management frameworks. The study reveals that visible signs of pollution primarily shape risk perception through lived experience rather than formal knowledge alone. Educational improvements and visible environmental remediation measures are essential alongside transparent governance and community participation to rebuild institutional trust and achieve sustainable waste management outcomes in developing nations like Nigeria.