The Physicochemical Effect of Leachates on Ground Water within Okpuno-Egbu Umudim Dumpsite Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract

Water samples were collected from six different borehole sites at radial distances of 50metres, 90metres, 100metres, 130 metres 150 metres and 220 metres respectively within the vicinity of Okpuno-Egbu, Umudim, Nnewi dumpsite in Anambra State, Nigeria and analyzed for physicochemical properties, microbiological and heavy metals levels. The parameters determined were the turbidity, conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), Total Hardness, Iron, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulphates, Magnesium, Chloride, Calcium and heavy metals such as Copper, Zinc and Lead, Cadmium using conventional equipment and standard laboratory procedures. These parameters were compared with control samples and the established international and national standards - World Health Organization (WHO),U.S Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC). The water samples from borehole sites within radial distances of 50 to 130 meters from the dumpsite geographical location was found to contain high concentrations of cadmium above approved standards. This study among other things revealed firstly, that the dumpsite leachates are a major source of the Cadmium pollution in this geographic location and secondly, the contaminant level of the water from the various sites are a function of the proximal distance to the dumpsite and the topography of the borehole site.