02187nas a2200181   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653003500054653001500089653001400104100002300118700002400141700003300165245012900198856007500327300000900402520159400411       2026                            d  c02/202610aSoil-transmitted helminthiasis10aPrevelance10adumpsites1 aTaiwo J. Akinnubi 1 aPrecious O. Irabor 1 aJennifer O. Egede-Asuelimen 00aPrevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in selected waste dumpsites across Ekpoma and Irrua communities, Edo State, Nigeria  uhttps://nasjournal.org.ng/site/index.php/pnas/article/download/733/398  a1-143 a<p>Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical regions with poor sanitation. Waste dumpsites contribute to STH transmission by contaminating soil and increasing exposure risk. This study investigated the prevalence of STH in selected waste dumpsites across Ekpoma and Irrua communities in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 225 soil samples were collected from five dumpsites and analysed using Zinc sulphate floatation and Modified Baermann technique. Physicochemical analysis revealed that the pH of soil samples was slightly acidic ranging from 3.38 ± 0.28- 4.84 ± 0.20, temperature varied from 26.26 ± 3.61°C -32.61 ± 0.54°C, and electrical conductivity ranged from 936.13 ± 314.37 µS/cm to 1322.53 ± 370.78 µS/cm. The overall rate of contamination was 65.78%. Four STH species were identified: Hookworm (37.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (24.4%), Trichuris trichiura (7.6%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (31.6%). The highest prevalence (73.33%) was recorded at Agua Cattle Market Dumpsite in Irrua, while fresh soil samples exhibited the highest contamination (69.3%). The study revealed that dumpsites serve as reservoirs for STH, posing health risks to nearby communities and animals due to their zoonotic nature. The physicochemical conditions of soil support parasite survival and transmission. Burning waste alone is insufficient to eliminate STH, as parasites may persist in burntsoil. Effective waste management and sanitation practices should be prioritized to control the spread of soil-transmitted helminths.</p>