Evaluation of Two Major Dumpsites as Potential Sources of environmental Pollution in Owerri, Imo State, Southeast Nigeria.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VI, Issue VI, June 2021|ISSN 2454-6194

Evaluation of Two Major Dumpsites as Potential Sources of environmental Pollution in Owerri, Imo State, Southeast Nigeria.

Okere J. K.¹, Azorji J. N², Iheagwam S. K³, Nwachukwu, C.U.⁴, and Emeka J. E^1
1Department of Chemical Sciences, Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State, Nigeria.
²Department of Biological Sciences, Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State, Nigeria.
³Department of Microbiology, Hezekiah University Umudi, Imo State, Nigeria.
⁴Department of Biology, Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri, Imo State Nigeria.

Abstract: Environmental contamination emanating from indiscriminate disposal of municipal solid waste is a trending issue in most developing countries of the world today. The aim of this was to evaluate physicochemical, selected heavy metal contents and organic compounds at Nekede and Naze dumpsites. Soil samples were randomly collected at 0 -15cm and 15 – 30cm depths with the aid of a soil auger. Standard analytical methods were used for the determination of physicochemical parameters, AAS was employed for selected heavy metal determination while high Pressure Liquid Chromatography was used to analyze organic compounds. Results showed that at Nekede dumpsite vicinity, pH, TOC and TPH measured ranged as follows: 4.45 – 5.11, 1.50-2.40%, N.D – 0.153 mg/kg respectively, with corresponding lowest and highest values at NKSS2 and NKSSC; NKSS1 and NKSS2; NKSSC and NKSS2, while at the Naze area, comparative values of 4.73 – 5.17, 0.70–1.92% for pH and TOC was obtained. Lowest and highest values were at NZSS2 and NZSSC for pH, NZSSC and NZSS2 for TOC, but TPH was below equipment detection level. At Nekede dump site; the phosphate value varied 44.00 – 90.01mg/kg, Nitrate, 10.80 – 20.00mg/kg and Sulphate, 17.00 – 40.55mg/kg, compared to Naze dump site with Phosphate 33.10 – 46.50mg/kg, Nitrate, 8.30 – 10.70mg/kg and Sulphate, 12.10 – 20.00mg/kg. The exchangeable cations: calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium varied 40.800 – 44.560mg/kg; 10.500 – 13.018mg/kg; 32.60- 43.640mg/kg and 12.140 –17.380mg/kg for Nekede while in the same vein, Naze recorded 35.16– 37.620mg/kg; 8.72 –12.770mg/kg; 0.660 – 1.940mg/kg and 10.340 – 17.860mg/kg. While Nekede dumpsite vicinity has moresandy soil with a mean value of about 53%, clay formed foremost part of soil structure at the Naze axis with 58.50%. In both sites silt was lowest with about 10.6% and 7% recorded at Nekede and Naze respectively. These dumpsite soils are constitute an environmental risk to local population hence there is exigent need for urgent remediation action plan by the regulatory agencies concerned.

Keywords: Dumpsite, Physicochemical, Heavy metals, Soil, Imo State.

I.INTRODUCTION

In most developing countries, lack of proper disposal and management of municipal solid waste represents a serious environmental challenge [1-2]. This is due to the tendency of such dumpsites to contaminate the soil, ground and surface water sources which ultimately becomes toxic to flora and fauna in the ecosystem [3]. According to [4], lack of proper waste management and disposal system is an unavoidable problem in Nigeria as a result increasing population, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and lax environmental laws. This assertion is apt given the prevalent method of municipal solid waste in most developing countries such as Nigeria. For instance, In Imo state, the commonest method of waste management practices are simply based on the collection and dumping out of the city boundaries in an open excavated waste dumps [5-6]. This consequently results in flagrant disposal of wastes thereby creating major waste dumpsites in many parts of the city [7]. These dumpsites have been implicated to contain hazardous substances with potentials to alter ecosystem integrity and the services they render [8]. In particular, heavy metals and organic compounds have been detected in municipal solid waste dumpsites soil with a myriad environmental implications.

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