Evaluation of Concentration of Some Groundwater Parameters around a Major Refuse Dumpsite in Cross River State, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated concentration, possible sources and relationship of groundwater parameters in a major dumpsite in Anantigha Headquarters of Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria by collecting samples of borehole water within and around the dumpsite using sterilised containers. Standard methods were used for the analysis. Results obtained show that the mean and standard deviation of the parameters were temperature (26.00±0.10) ⁰C; pH (3.80±0.36); EC (187.33±41.00) µS/cm; TDS (95.67±20.03) mg/l; NH₄ (0.13±0.03) mg/l; Total hardness (19.83±2.56) mg/l; TCC (50.47±31.88) cfu/100ml; FCC (41.00±25.94) cfu/100ml; Fe (0.15±0.03); Zn (0.05±0.03) mg/l and Pb (0.02±0.01) mg/l. The concentration of the various parameters was compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Sanitation Development Water Quality (NSDWQ) standard.  Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis were used to examine the relationship and possible sources among the parameters. The findings of the study revealed that electrical conductivity EC, TDS, NH₄, total  hardness, Fe, Zn and Pb in borehole BH₂ were within the acceptable limit while Pb concentration of borehole BH₁ and BH₃, temperature, pH, TCC and FCC were above the permissible limit of WHO/NSDWQ. It is recommended that boreholes should be drilled far away from dumpsites to avoid contamination which poses health risks to man.