Browsing by Author "Izibeya, Diemewulu"

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    Evaluation of the Nekede dumpsite on surrounding groundwater quality in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria
    (Federal University of Technology, Owerri., 2023-12) Izibeya, Diemewulu
    This study evaluated the impact of municipal solid waste on groundwater quality around the Nekede dumpsite, Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria. The Nekede waste dump is about two (2) hecters in area and has existed for many years and can pose pollution hazard to surface and groundwater resources through leachate infiltration. Several families abstract water for domestic usage from boreholes in this areas with resultant exposure to several water-borne challenges. 50kg of waste were classified into different categories and their percent composition determined. Water samples were also collected from four (4) different boreholes within 50m radius of the waste dump and analysed using standard procedures. Results obtained revealed that the waste in the dumpsite were majorly composed of metals (36.66% by mass). The pH of the borehole water sampled were slightly acidic, indicating possible waste interaction with the underlying aquifers. The Electrical Conductivity (EC) values ranged between 24-490µScm-1. BH1, the borehole nearest to the waste dump recorded the highest conductivity value of 490 µscm-1 which is above the WHO regulatory standard for a portable water. Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Chromium (Cr) concentrations were all found to be above the WHO regulatory limits. These results suggest a possible pollutant input from the waste dump, implying that the selected boreholes were impacted by the waste dump. The VES data of Nekede dumpsite showed a thickness value of 35m to 183m and the aquifer resistivity values ranged from 1000Ωm to 5850Ωm, the aquifer map also revealed an unconfined/ semi unconfined aquifer formation with sandy soil from top to bottom and layers of clay of 3.3m to 5.9m thickness. This formation is highly vulnerable to groundwater pollution due to high rate of leachate infiltration. This research have shown that Nekede dumpsite is a threat to the surrounding groundwater due to possible seepage of leachate from the dumpsite. This work has shown that regulation of drilling of boreholes in the study area and its environs has become inevitable to protect the public from water borne diseases.