Microbiological and Physico- Chemical Characteristics of the soils of Waste Collection Sites in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria.

Abstract

Soils of waste collection sites in Port Harcourt City were sampled to determine the physico- chemical qualities and microbial densities before wastes are disposed of into their appropriate dumpsites. Standard analysis techniques were employed in the investigation. A high microbial density in the range of 2.1 x 104 to 1.3 106 cfu/ g was observed in the samples. Total fungal count was generally lower than the bacterial population. The physico-chemical qualities of the soils appear to the above acceptable standards. Temperature ranged from 24.5 to 280( while pH values recorded were between 3.3 to 7.3 Organic matter content content recorded was 2.03% which was found to be conducive for chelate formation, and could allow leachates from the decomposed waste to invade the ground water table.

Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 17 2007: pp. 104-108