ABSTRACT
This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the effect of dumpsite leachate on the water quality of Ughwe Locality in Ughelli North L.G.A of Delta State. Water sample was obtained from a dug well in close proximity with dumpsite. Also soil samples were obtained close to well (Sample A), at the middle of the dumpsite (Sample B) and a few steps from the dumpsite (Sample C) at Ughwe community. Samples were labelled and placed in polythene and plastic bottles before transporting to the laboratory for investigation. Physicochemical parameters investigated for in both water and soil samples include pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, hardness, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand. Also heavy metals investigated for in soil samples include iron, lead and cadmium. Physicochemical analysis of well water sample revealed results as pH (6.60±0.06), electrical conductivity (343.33±0.67 µS/cm), turbidity (3.81±0.01NTU). The concentrations of Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride and Nitrate in the well water samples were 41.89±0.21mg/L, 5.32±0.13mg/L, 44.45±1.03mg/L and 0.02±0.00mg/L respectively. The levels of Hardness, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and Chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 126.50±0.92mg/L, 5.87±0.07mg/L, 3.67±0.07mg/L and 46.00±1.16mg/L respectively. Also soil pH obtained in the study indicated results as station A (6.7±0.50), Station B (6.433±0.20) and Station C (6.367±0.23). Heavy metal analysis revealed that the level of Iron in soil samples from station A, station B and station C were 2651.667±419.59mg/kg, 2651.833±409.92mg/kg and 2659.2±409.02mg/kg respectively. Lead in soil samples at station A, station B and station C were 0.483±0.28mg/kg, 0.367±0.19mg/kg and 0.347±0.28mg/kg respectively. Cadmium in soil samples at station A, station B and station C were 0.327±0.17 mg/kg, 0.35±0.13 mg/kg and 0.25±0.14mg/kg respectively. Although all parameters measured in water indicated that the water was safe domestically for use but not proven microbiologically. The soil samples on the other revealed certain parameter (nitrate, magnesium, calcium) which exceeded the acceptable limits indicating leaching of contaminants which might in the long run impact water negatively. There is thus need for proper waste management practices with the community to prevent the outbreak of infections due to indiscriminate waste disposal.
