Vulnerability Assessment of Groundwater Contamination from an Open dumpsite: Labete Dumpsite as a Case study

Abstract

The assessment of leachate impact on groundwater is very crucial to human health and its environment. This research work aimed at assessing Labete dumpsite and its effects on groundwater integrity in the vicinity of the dumpsite. Soil samples were collected for leachate analysis at a depth of 0.5m from the earth’s surface within the proximity of the dumpsite. Four different groundwater samples (GW1-GW4) were collected at radial distances from the dumpsite. Collected water samples were analyzed to examine their Cr, Fe, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu ions content. Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis were also considered and measured against NSDWQ and WHO standards for drinking water. The results showed that the level of groundwater contamination is directly proportional to the depth of the water table (collection) and the distance of the dumpsite from the shallow wells. GW1 and GW2 groundwater samples were not fit for consumption unless adequately treated.