Effects of Solid Waste Dumpsite on Groundwater Quality in Idu District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja

Sadiq Mamman Malgwi, Mohammed Jibril, John Gushit

Abstract


This study assessed the effects of the waste dumpsite on groundwater quality in Idu District, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. The was aimed at assessing the increased deposition of waste in the dumpsite, urbanization, industrial activities, and indiscriminate waste disposal practices that pose contamination risks to groundwater resources serving as the primary water supply for residents. The study involved waste characterization at the dumpsite and analysis of groundwater samples from seven boreholes located at varying distances from the dumpsite. Water samples were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters (pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biological Oxygen Demand, chloride, total hardness, and colour), heavy metal concentrations (magnesium, zinc, iron, chromium, and lead), and bacteriological parameters (Total Coliform Count, E. coli, and Faecal streptococci). Waste characterization revealed that organic waste constituted the highest proportion. Groundwater analysis showed that pH values (6.38–7.95) fell within WHO standards, while iron concentrations (2.43–21.08 mg/l) significantly exceeded the 0.30 mg/l limit. Water hardness (81–418 mg/l) and chloride levels (5.08–49.98 mg/l) exceeded permissible limits in several samples. Bacteriological analysis revealed contamination with Total Coliform Counts reaching up to 144 CFU/ml and presence of E. coli (11–12 CFU/ml) in samples closest to the dumpsite. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in contaminant concentrations between wells located within 50 meters and those beyond 100 meters from the dumpsite. The study concludes that groundwater quality in the vicinity of the waste dumpsite is compromised, with contamination levels influenced by distance from the dumpsite, shallow water table depth, and the geological characteristics of the area. 


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