Effects of an open Waste dump-site on groundwater quality in Ekurede-Urhobo, Warri, Delta State, (Nigeria)

Abstract

An assessment of the quality of groundwater around an open dump-site was carried out using borehole water samples collected from two points each, close to the dump-site and a control point outside the vicinity. Analysis showed that with the exception of temperature and salinity, which were not significantly different across the sampling points, other parameters differed significantly (P<0.01 and P<0.001). The ‘a posteriori’ comparison using Duncan Multiple Range (DMR) test revealed that EC, Nitrate, BOD, THC, TDS and TSS recorded lower levels at the control borehole in relation to the two boreholes close to the dump-site. THB and coliform also recorded lower values at the control borehole. Fe was the only heavy metal shown to be highly significantly different (P<0.001) with higher concentrations at points close to the dump-site. Other metals had mean values of 0.001mg/l across sampling points. The months of June and October recorded higher values for most parameters. The dump-site can be said to have had effects on its surrounding groundwater with, increased levels of iron, THC, Nitrate, coliform, and EC. Evacuation and remediation of the dump-site is necessary to stop further contamination of the aquifer.

Key Words: Open dump-site, Groundwater, Quality, Ekurede-Urhobo, Warri, Nigeria