IMPACT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE DUMP SITES ON SOIL PROPERTIESIN AKURE METROPOLIS, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the impact of solid waste on soil quality in Akure. Four (4) dumpsites and a control site were selected for the study. Three (3) sample collection points were mapped out from the selected dumpsites; at the base of the dumpsite; 20m from the base (to determine the level of contamination within the dumpsite) and 50m away from the dumpsite (to determine the impact on soil away from the dumpsite). Using a soil auger soil samples were collected at depths of 0-15cm (top soil) and 15 30m (sub soil) from each sample collection point and the control site. A total of twenty six (26) soil samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory. Thirty (30) soil quality parameters which include pH, EC, Fe3+, K+, Zn2+, NO3--, PO43--, Mn2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Organic Carbon,. were determined in the samples.Mean concentration of the physico chemical parameters shows no variation between the various dumpsites and the control site for both the top and sub soil with the exception of Fe3+. Fe3+ content was higher at Igbatoro dumpsite with a mean of 161.91mg/kg as against 36.36, 33.19, 6.34 and 4.96mg/kg for Edema, Orire, Ado dumpsite and control site respectively for the top soil and 105.73mg/kg as against 27.74, 69.28, 36.63 and 4.63mg/kg for Edema, Orire, Ado dumpsite and control site respectively for sub soil.The concentration of Cd2+was highest in Igbatoro dumpsite than the other studied dumpsites and the control for both top soil and sub soil. The ANOVA result revealed that there was no significant variation in soil quality among the dumpsites. The paired wise t test at 95% confidence level) showed no significant difference in the quality of soil between the two depths (0 15cm and 15 30cm) at the selected dumpsites. There is need for the siting of a standard waste management facility and better waste disposal measures taking into consideration the status of Akure as a state capital and a city.