Characterization of leachates from uncontrolled open dumpsite in Ahiaeke, Isieke and Nsukwe Umuahia, Abia State

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the chemical in the leachates from uncontrolled open dumpsite in Ahiaeke, Isieke and Nsukwe in  Umuahia, Abia State. Air, soil and leachate samples were analysed using an absolute instrument system, AIS (Aerocet model 5315) and  standard procedures to measure the concentration of SO₄, NH₃, O₃, CO₂, VOC, PM10, PM2.5, H₂S and CO in the air and some selected  physicochemical and heavy metal content. From the result, SO4 ranges from 0.02 - 0.19 mg/m3 , NH₃(1.11 - 14.05), O₃(0.01 - 0.15),  CO₂(618.50 - 832.50), VOC (1889.50 - 6343.50), PM10(46.19 -751.50), PM2.5(14.03 - 344.72), H₂S (0.02 - 5.91), CO (1.91 - 6.91 mg/m³ ),For  leachate and soil analysis, pH ranges from 8.75 - 9.01, Potassium (2.04 - 6.93 mg/l),Iodine (1.24 - 7.86), Fluorine (0.32 - 31.96), Acidity  (344.70 - 821.65), Magnesium (209.70 - 498.66), Nitrate (0.34 - 2.07), DO (1.95 - 6.82), COD (3181.29 - 19090.56), Phosphate (13.42 - 57.35),  Boron (0.79 - 3.15), Ammonia (0.85 - 3.55), Lead (0.00 - 3.76 mg/kg),Mercury (0.12 - 0.88), Cadmium (0.21 - 1.49), Manganese (2.13 - 14.72) , Chromium (0.10 - 0.61), Nickel (2.14 - 8.12), Iron (1.13 - 6.28), Zinc (0.15 - 1.22),Barium (24.15- 172.02), Copper (1.18 - 9.56 mg/kg). In this  study, concentration of all air parameters was higher at distance closer to the dumpsites. The level of ammonia, PM10, PM2.5 and some  heavy metals exceeded WHO guidelines. Hence, the waste dumps were observed to be the major contributors of increase in chemical  and heavy metal levels in the leachate.