A Comparative Study on the Impact of Avu and Ihie Dumpsites on Soil Quality in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The effects of leachate from unlined open waste dumps on the soil and aquifer system in Avu and Ihie area of Southeastern Nigeria was investigated in this study. The soil pH in both dumpsites is very low and it is a reflection of the microbial action in the process of decomposition of waste materials as well as the acid-rain formation via gas flaring. It was established that the mean concentrations of manganese, lead, iron and bacteria count were higher in Avu dumpsite soil while the other parameters are higher at Ihie dumpsite soil. The concentrations of all the parameters analyzed were below the crustal abundance of the respective elements except cadmium. The high concentration of cadmium can be attributed to the decay of abandoned electric batteries and other electrical parts. The soil samples collected far away from the dumpsites have lower concentrations compared to the samples collected in the vicinity of the dumpsites suggesting a possible soil contamination via leachate from the nearby dumpsites. The graphs of sieve and correlation analyses from the dumpsites were very similar and this implies similarity in wastes materials and geohistory. Construction of future dumpsites in the area should follow the prescribed design of a modern sanitary landfill system that quarantee protection to the soil and aquifer materials.