Soil Quality Assessment Near a Solid Waste Dumpsite in Awka, Southeastern, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2025.07.01.019Keywords:
Solid waste dumps, Soil Quality, Environmental assessment, Awka, AnambraAbstract
Solid waste dumpsite, as seen in many urban centers like Awka, southeastern Nigeria constitute a major risk factor to soils in its vicinity, which could result from leachate infiltration that contains heavy metals and altered physiochemical properties. This study assessed the impact of solid waste dumps on soil quality in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at 3(three) different points denoted as (SP A, SP B, SP C). Samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Lead, Copper, Zinc, Mercury, Chromium) and other parameters using an AA Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Data generated from the study were subjected to statistical analysis, such as mean, range, standard deviation, and correlation analysis. Results revealed that pH level ranged from 7 to 7.85 in the topsoil and 6-7 in the subsoil. Nitrite and Nitrate were below the permissible limits. However, heavy metals (chromium, zinc, copper, and lead) showed a moderate concentration, although they were still below permissible limits, with sample point B showing a higher concentration. On the other hand, sulphate (300-1000mg/kg) and phosphate (2466-9888mg/kg) were extremely higher than the other heavy metals. Results also indicated that most heavy metals showed a pollution index below 1. However, an increase was noticed in zinc for sample point B and sulphate for sample point A, which were above the permissible limit of 1. The most significant finding was the exceedingly high value of phosphate, which was (49-118), indicating serious contamination. Although the analyzed soil sampling points exhibited non- carcinogenic risk as nitrate, nitrite, Zinc, copper, chromium showed HQ< 1, except lead with HI >1in Sulphate and phosphate, which were also with HI>1indicating that unsafe potential non-cancer adverse effects could happen, resulting in serious environmental challenges. The study therefore recommends that regular monitoring of sulphate and phosphate levels, particularly at SP B and SP A, and the recycling and composting of waste, be undertaken to ensure environmental sustainability.
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