Effect of Solid Waste Disposal on Chemical Quality of Groundwater in Ife North Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria: A GIS-Based Assessment

Abstract

Indiscriminate waste disposal is a major environmental challenge in developing countries, especially as the
wastes often end up downstream. The present study investigated the vulnerability of selected groundwater
sources in semi-rural communities in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria, to
contamination by adjacent waste dumpsites. The specific objective was to assess the chemical quality of the
groundwater in the area. Data used were results of the laboratory investigation of selected water samples
from sampled groundwater sources and information about the uses of the groundwater by the residents. The
parameters pH, conductivity, and TDS were assessed in situ and chemical parameters such as Lead, Iron,
Copper and Sulphate were assessed in the laboratory. Results showed that the groundwater sources close to
the dumpsites were more contaminated than the sources farther from the dumpsites. At distances less than
50m to the dumpsites, the concentration of the chemical metals did not meet the WHO standard, however, it
decreased with distance from the dumpsite. For instance, although sulphate concentration was below the
recommended maximum, sulphate concentration decreased with distance from the dumpsite. The study
concluded that groundwater sources around dumpsites were contaminated and unfit for potable use in the
area.