Comparison of Soil Pollution Due To E-Waste Pollutants at Two Dumpsites in Lagos State Using the Geophysical Assessment Method

Abstract

Soil degradation forms a part of the significant impacts arising from indiscriminate disposal of e-waste. This study was aimed at assessing, through the analysis of VES and 2D-Wenner array configuration data, not only the magnitude of legacy contamination by e-waste in terms of depth and spread but the level of impact as a result of the soil type or nature. The results of the VES data and 2D resistivity analysis showed that Alaba dumpsite was highly impacted by the e-waste due to the permeable geoelectric characteristics of the lithologic units beneath the dumpsite while Soulous- Igando recorded relatively high resistivity values which correspond to the clay column identified in the geoelectric sections of the site, thus the level of soil impact was low because, the clay/laterite column of the subsurface of Soulous-Igando site provides a means of preventing leachate movement down to the aquifer. The sites might need to be recovered in the future for a better developmental project; hence, the benefits of this research on the appropriate methods to detoxify the sites. In addition, the results from this study could facilitate Lagos State Government decisions on improving protection for groundwater resources for residents around the study area.