Physico-Chemical Characterization and Pollution Index Determination of Leachates from Warri Waste Dumpsite, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

This study characterizes the leachates quality of an active dumpsite in Warri, Delta State and also analyses its contamination or pollution potential. Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) - a tool for quantifying pollution potential of leachates generated from dumpsites - has been used to quantify the leachates contamination potential of the dumpsite. The LPI values for the different sample locations L1, L2 and L3 were computed to be 5.69, 6.18 and 5.89 respectively with a mean value of 5.80, while the control had a value of 4.82. These LPI values were also compared with the LPI standard (7.38) for treated leachates. Comparison of the mean LPI  value (5.80) with the standard (7.38) indicated a relatively low contamination potential of the leachates. Moreover, it was observed that the concentration of the  individual parameters of the leachates is quite variable. The organic strength (BOD5 divided by COD) of the dumpsite was less than 0.5, while the pH values  indicated that all sample locations in terms of age was mature, an indication of dumpsite stabilization. The study recommends continuous monitoring of leachates and upgrade to an engineered landfill to forestall possible pollution problems in future.

Keyword: Dumpsites, Leachates, Leachate Pollution Index, Leachates Quality, Municipal Solid Waste, Physico-chemical Parameters, Warri