Spatial variation in pollution potential of leachate from dumpsites in the federal capital territory, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metal, microbiological, physico-chemical and nutrient parameters in leachate samples collected from waste dumpsites in the FCT were analyzed to assess the spatial variation in pollution potential of leachate on the biophysical environment of the study area. The results obtained were compared to NSDWQ standard. The range concentration of heavy metals in leachate are Fe-0.2265mg/L (KUJ) to 10.3971mg/L (GSA), Cd-0.0069mg/L (ABJ) to 0.3857mg/L (MPP), Cr-0.1050mg/L (MPP) to 0.7776mg/L (KWL). Cu-0.0057mg/L (BWR) to 0.5261mg/L (KWL), Pb-0.0672mg/L (AJT) to 1.5071mg/L (KWL) and Mn-0.0408mg/L (TGM) to 1.0026mg/L (GSA). Reported range concentration of Microbiological and Nutrient parameters in leachate samples were: Total coliform-126.33CFU/100mL (KUJ) to 205.33CFU/100mL (KWL), E.coli-122.00CFU/100mL (DTS) to 161.00CFU/100mL (AJT), Cl--2.83mg/L (KWL) to 560.11mg/L (MPP), NO3 --0.31mg/L (KSH) to 2.08mg/L (MPP) and SO4 2--0.26mg/L (DTS) to 728.67mg/L (MPP). Physico-chemical parameters in leachate characterized shows pH values of 6.78 (GSA) to 8.60 (AJT), TS-1.26mg/L (KUJ) to 9.81mg/L (KWL), TSS-1.89mg/L (MPP) to 8.32mg/L (GLD) and EC-512.33μs/cm (BWR) to 1051.33μs/cm (AJT). Results show that leachate has serious potential to impact water resources in the study area since there is currently no plan for collection and treatment in place before discharge into the environment. The paper established spatial variation in concentration of leachate parameters in study area, with waste character, status of dumpsite which is either open or closed as basis. Government needs to overhaul her approach towards management of waste dumpsites.

Keywords: Leachate, Waste dumpsite, Municipal Solid Waste Management, Pollution, Impact