Open Dumpsites Research Articles

Investigating groundwater pollution at an open dumpsite using 2D geoelectrical resistivity imaging and vertical electrical sounding

Geoelectrical resistivity survey has been conducted within the Kurata dump site in Ota, south-western Nigeria. This present study focuses on the use of 2D resistivity imaging and Vertical Electrical Sounding to delineate conductive leachate point and degree of movement within the subsurface for conceivable groundwater pollution. The 2D resistivity survey was carried out using the ABEM Terrameter (SAS 1000/4000) System with multiple-gradient array electrode configuration. The Vertical Electrical Sounding was conducted using the schlumberger electrode configuration. One 2-D imaging profile of length 100m and one Vertical Electrical Sounding of length 200m were acquired on the established traverse. The resistivity data was inverted utilizing RES2DINV and WinResist to obtain the inverse model resistivity distribution. The 2D inverse resistivity models of the subsurface showed that the study site has a multi-layered aquifer system, four geoelectrical layers were inferred from the resistivity imaging and they are lateritic clay, clayey sand, sandy clay and coarse sand units. There is one aquifer system about 13 m which is highly polluted. The unpolluted aquifer system is localized around 19 m with inverted resistivity range 498Ωm – 685Ωm in the traverse. Also there might be conceivable sullying of deep groundwater system in the long term if appropriate moderation procedures are not thought about at the area.

Geotechnical Properties of Fresh and Degraded MSW In the Foothill of Shivalik Range Una, Himachal Pradesh

The aim of the present study is to determine the physical and geotechnical characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) from an open dump site located in Una town, Himachal Pradesh (India) for the analysis of settlement and structural stability of landfill. Degraded waste was tested for different time intervals ranging from 6 months to 6 years. The physical characterization and the geotechnical tests were performed to determine the composition and the engineering properties of MSW respectively. The presence of moisture content in the fresh waste was 49.5±1.05% but for the degraded (or old) waste it varied between 39.8 to 51.6%. The specific gravity of fresh and old waste varied between 1.83±0.05 and 1.85 for 6 months old waste and 2.28 for 5-6 years old degraded waste respectively. The maximum dry density (MDD) was observed to be 4.28 kN/m2 for fresh waste at the optimum moisture content (OMC) of 78.1% and 4.47 kN/m3 for 6 months old waste and 6.25 kN/m3 for the degraded waste of 5-6 years at 80.2, 85.4% of OMC respectively. The hydraulic conductivity (k) of MSW was found to be decreasing with the degradation of MSW and the overburden pressure whereas the shear strength increased along with the degradation of the waste. The cohesion (c) and angle of internal friction (φ) increased respectively from 31.2 kPa(fresh) to 38 kPa(degraded) and 14° to 22° with the increase in waste degradation. The compression ratio of fresh waste was within the ranges of 0.19-0.29 and for degraded MSW it varied between 0.12 for 6 months old waste and 0.17 for 5-6 years old degraded waste respectively

Potential occupational health effects of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria, the case of Lagos and Ibadan

Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM), which include generation of wastes, collection, transportation, recycling and reuse, and disposal poses threat to humans especially the waste handlers and managers and the entire ecosystem. In this study, relevant data and information about the health hazards associated with MSWM were gathered using structured questionnaires administered to three different categories of municipal solid waste (MSW) handlers namely; Domestic Waste Handlers (DWHs), Highway Waste Managers (HWMs) and Dumpsite Waste Managers and Scavengers (DWMSs) in Lagos and Ibadan. Site visits and interviews were conducted to evaluate the general health status of the waste managers and the current MSWM practises in the cities. The results showed that personal protective equipment were not used by many of the managers; wastes were not segregated at the point of generation and/or collection, waste from different sources such as industrial, agricultural, household, commercial etc., some of which contained hazardous materials were codisposed in open dumpsites. Thus, exposure of solid waste managers to hazardous substances in the waste stream was apparent, which might cause diseases such as skin infections among others as a result of improper and unsustainable MSWM. The lack of and none usage of personal protective equipment alongside with the ignorance of the waste handlers may results in occupational health hazards associated with MSWM. These people had suffered for ailments from occupational exposure to toxic, hazardous and infectious substances present in the waste stream. Hence, the needs for proper training, awareness raising and enlightenment of the waste handlers on the risks and health hazards of improper protection and haphazard solid waste management. The need for sustainable and integrated waste management is recommended. Keywords: Municipal solid waste, Health hazard, Dumpsite, Waste handler, Waste management

Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil of an Open Dump along Old Ikare Road Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Aims: To investigate the heavy metal concentrations in soil samples collected from an open dumpsite in a rural community (Aba Idi-Mangoro) in Owo, Ondo State and to compare the observed values with the regulatory limits. This study also aimed to determine the pollution levels using tools like contamination factor, pollution load index and geoaccumulation index.
 Study Design: Field study design was use in this study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Soil samples were collected from Aba Idi-Mangoro in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria between July 2015 and February 2016 to represent the wet and dry seasons.
 Methodology: A total of 96 soil samples were collected (6 samples on each visit and the site was visited twice a month). The samples were taken to the Prof. Julius Okojie Central Research Laboratory at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. In the laboratory, samples were air dried to remove the moisture. 2 g of the sampes were digested into HNO3, HCl, HF and HClO4, and AA Spectrophotometer was used to analyse the concentrations of the heavy metals.
 Results: Out of the 8 heavy metals assessed, 6 were above the regulatory limits. The order of heavy metal concentrations for the wet season is: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Pb>Ni>Cr>Co>Cd and the dry season is as follows: Fe>Zn>Mn>Pb>Cu>Ni>Co>Cr>Cd. When the mean concentrations of the samples for the wet season were compared to the dry season, Mn (0.009), Cd (0.035), Cr (0.044) and Co (0.014) differ significantly (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in Fe, Co, Ni and Zn. It was observed from the overall results that the concentrations of heavy metals were higher during the dry season than in the wet season. The contamination factor (CF), pollution load index and geo-accumulation index values of Fe was extremely high in the two seasons while it varies at different collection times for the other metals.
 Conclusion: Due to the high presence of some of the heavy metals found in the soil, the study suggests that water and sediment samples from nearby river(s) within the community should also be examined.

Characteristics, sources, and in situ phytoremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in rural dumpsites

Without precaution to deal with gas emissions and leachate generation, dumpsites have become a severe environmental problem in many developing countries. The objectives of this study were to investigate the pollution status of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dumpsite soil in rural areas of China and to verify phytoremediation effectiveness with Sedum alfredii Hance and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under complex pollution conditions in PAH-contaminated soil. In this study, we collected soil cores from four dumpsites in rural areas of North China (Hebei Province) for analysis, and correspondingly conducted an in situ phytoremediation experiment using Sedum alfredii Hance and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at one of these sites, monitoring the total PAH concentration in soil. Results showed generally moderate pollution by PAHs in soil samples from dumpsites with pockets of heavy pollution. PAH concentrations in dumpsite soil ranged from 827 to 1101 ng/g (dry weight). High-molecular-weight PAHs were present in higher proportions at oldest dumpsite in operation. Certain molecular ratios of PAHs can be used to diagnose the source of PAHs in soil, and it indicated that the main sources were combustion of domestic coal and biomass, as well as the automobile exhaust and kitchen exhaust. A 17-month in situ phytoremediation experiment resulted in the effective removal of PAHs in the Sedum alfredii and alfalfa plots, with total PAH concentrations decreasing by 82.4% and 81.3%, respectively. Furthermore, PAH concentrations in plants correlated to plant growth conditions. This study indicated that the soils of the dumpsites were generally moderately polluted by PAHs, and some parts of the area were heavily polluted. Both Sedum alfredii and alfalfa absorbed PAHs from soil, and PAH concentrations in these two plants correlated to the growth conditions of the plants. Phytoremediation can effectively be used for PAH removal in open dumpsites.

The Sources of Water Supply, Sanitation Facilities and Hygiene Practices in an Island Community: Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: The polarization of the Nigerian society with a population of about 198 million people, growing at the rate of 3.2% per annum, into a large rural sector and a small urban component provides a basis for the inadequate provision of health infrastructure in the rural areas. For instance, over 65% of Nigerian population who live in the rural areas are most neglected and deprived of basic services as well as other modern infrastructural necessities that are essential to the maintenance and promotion of good health. Hence its supply is a major factor for consideration in the health of any community. This study aimed to assess the sources of water supply, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in an island community of Amassoma, Bayelsa State. Materials and Method: A cross sectional descriptive study design was used, the 357-sample size for housing units was determined using the appropriate statistical formula and systematic sampling method was used with a sampling interval of two. A 30-item administered closed-ended structured questionnaire was used. Data was collected from 198 households and analysed using descriptive statistics with frequency counts and simple percentages using computer aided statistical analysis by Microsoft Excel. Results: The result identified multiple sources of water supply which includes rain, river/stream, pipe borne, borehole, sachet water and table water with borehole and sachet water being the major source. The sanitary condition of the water source shows that 28.8% dirty, 5.6% fairly clean, 68.7% admitted to not treating their water at home, while 15.2% just store at home, 10.1% use water guard and 6.0% practice boiling. For the toilet facilities, 40.9% use septic tank, 33.8% do open defecation, 15.7% use the river, 13.1% use traditional pit latrines, while 9.0% use ventilated improved toilet pit latrine. 5.6% were fairly clean, 28.8% dirty while 39.4% use the river for bathing purposes, 14.1% have open bathrooms while 1.6% have other forms of bathroom facilities. 63.6% dump their refuses at open dump sites while 10.6% burn theirs. 9.9% dump refuses in the river while 22.2% practice other forms of refuse disposal. Hand washing, an important hygiene practice with 95.9% practicing hand washing after visiting the toilet, 76.8% before cooking, 72.7% after cooking while 85.9% before eating. Common health problems show, 25.3% of the respondents had malaria, 20.7% diarrhoea, 9.1% skin rash, while 2.0% had cough. About 31.8% of them attributed poor sanitation as a causal factor, 23.2% of the respondents associated water as a possible causal factor, while 44.9% did not attribute their health challenges to any causal factor. 52.0% purchase drugs from patent drug stores for treatment, 36.9% visit hospitals, while 11.1% patronize traditional doctors. Conclusion: Sanitation facilities and safe water supply are insufficient in Amassoma community. This along with hygienic practices led to the prevalence of common illnesses in the community. Poor sanitation and unhygienic practices are still widely practiced. The State and Local Government should provide adequate portable water and sanitation facilities in public places with emphasis on citizen advocacy in the area of health education campaign.

Exposure to bioaerosols at open dumpsites: A case study of bioaerosols exposure from activities at Olusosun open dumpsite, Lagos Nigeria

Activities associated with the open dumping of municipal solid waste has the potential for greater impact on the environment and public health compared to other forms of waste-to-land treatment of such wastes. However, there is a lack of quantitative data on the exposure to bioaerosols from open dumpsites, hence impeding the development of effective interventions that would reduce the risk of respiratory symptoms among scavengers and waste workers at such dumpsites. This study investigated exposure to bioaerosols at Olusosun open dumpsite, Lagos Nigeria using three methodologies; (1) Conducting a cross-sectional survey on the respiratory health of the population on the dumpsite, (2) Measuring bioaerosol concentrations in the ambient air by measuring four bioaerosols indicator groups (total bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, Aspergillus fumigatus and total fungi) using a Anderson six stage impactor sampler, (3) Measuring activity related exposures to bioaerosols using an SKC button personal sampler.After a cross sectional health survey of 149 participants (waste workers, scavengers, middlemen, food vendors and business owners), smokers reported higher symptoms of chronic cough (21%) and chronic phlegm (15%) compared to non-smokers (chronic cough 15%, chronic phlegm 13%). Years of work > 5 years showed no statistically significant association with chronic phlegm (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.4–3.4; p > 0.05) or asthma (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.6–5.2; p > 0.05). At the 95th percentile, the concentration of total bacteria was the highest (2189 CFU/m3), then gram negative bacteria (2188 CFU/m3), total fungi (843 CFU/m3) and Aspergillus fumigatus (441 CFU/m3) after ambient air sampling. A comparison of the data showed that the activity-based sampling (undertaken using body worn personal sampler) had higher bioaerosols concentrations (104 –106 CFU/m3), i.e. 2–3 logs higher than those recorded from static ambient air sampling. Bioaerosol exposure was highest during scavenging activities compared to waste sorting and site supervision. Particle size distributions showed that 41%, 46%, 76% and 63% of total bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, Aspergillus fumigatus and total fungi respectively were of respirable sizes and would therefore be capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system, posing a greater human health risk. This study has shown that exposure to bioaerosols can be associated with activities undertaken at open dumpsites and may contribute to the high prevalence of the chronic respiratory symptoms among the workers in such environments.

Concentration of Heavy Metals in Soil around Dumpsites in Jimeta and Ngurore, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Rapid urbanization and industrialization in developing countries have been associated with production and deposition of hazardous wastes in the soil environments. Heavy metals are major components of these wastes and have been implicated in several metal-related diseases and food poisoning in man. This study examined the concentration of Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) heavy metals in soil near dumpsites of Jimeta and Ngurore, Yola North Local Government Areas (LGAs), Adamawa State. Soil samples from 0-20cm layer depth were collected in triplicates and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results reveal that Fe, Pb, Cu and Chromium were detected, while Cadmium was found to be below the limit of detection. The mean concentration of the exchangeable cation in mg/kg in soil at Jimeta sites were: Fe (31.4 mg/kg) >Pb (0.92 mg/kg) > Cu (0.34 mg/kg) > Cr (0.11 mg/kg) >Cd (below limit of detection), while the mean concentration of the heavy metals in soil at Ngurore sites were: Fe (32 mg/kg) >Pb (0.83 mg/kg) > Cu (0.28 mg/kg) > Cr (0.07 mg/kg) >Cd (below limit of detection), respectively. Iron (Fe) was the most abundant element in both sites, followed by Pb. Heavy metal concentrations in soil followed the order of Fe>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd, respectively. The paired T-test analyses for concentration of Cr, Fe, and Pb in soil nearthe two dumpsites show that there were statistically significant differences in the concentration levels of Cr, Fe, and Pb, while Cu showed no statistically significant difference between the two dumpsites. However, all the metals detected were below the permissible limit of WHO international standard with the exception of Pb whose concentration was above maximum permissible concentration (MPC). Persistent heavy metals accumulation in soils near these dumpsites may lead to increase uptake by vegetables grown near the dumpsites and this may pose a threat to its quality and safety and ultimately human health. The need to replace open dumpsites with well-designed landfills is advised.

Half-metallic ferromagnetism; Spin-polarization; Band structure; Density of state

Physiochemical assessment of leachate in three open dumpsites in Oluku, Uselu and New Benin in Benin City was carried out in this study using standard methods. The pH of leachate sample from Oluku dumpsite was ultra-acidic (3.4) with electrical conductivity of 1650 μS/cm. However pH of leachate samples (7.4 and 8.6) collected from Uselu Market dumpsite and New Benin dumpsite were in the alkaline range with electrical conductivity of 8600 and 9800 μS/cm. The aforementioned approach was employed at distances of 2m and 5m from the mid-sections of these dumpsites and pH of leachate at a distance of 5m from the three were observed to be in the neutral range. The physiochemical analysis indicated the hazards of open waste dumping, as leachate in these dumping sites contains ammonia, calcium carbonate, nitrate, sulphate and other heavy metals which can percolate and contaminate surface water and ground water thereby, causing negative effects on public health safety and the environment. Keywords : Leachate, Open dumpsites, Organic wastes, Contaminants.

Variations in generation of vegetable, fruit and flower market waste and effects on biogas production, exergy and energy contents

In India, large quantities of centrally generated wastes from vegetable, fruit and flower wholesale markets (VFF) are mostly disposed without treatment at open dumpsites. To implement sustainable waste treatment system including an adapted substrate management for Indian cities, detailed information on temporal mass and compositional fluctuations of VFF are fundamental. This article investigates the sources, extent and influence of fluctuating VFF characteristics, and examines its impact on biogas production and energy potentials. A comprehensive analysis of VFF in the city of Chennai revealed strong fluctuations of individual waste component shares of 34.5–142.9% (vegetables), 40.5–185.9% (fruits) and 33.0–244.9% (flowers) throughout the monitored year. Waste amounts occur independently of fresh vegetable, fruit and flower amounts entering the urban area. Specific biogas yields (SBY) of VFF varied from 403.7 to 570.5 mLN/g oDM during the analysis period of 4 months. A comparative analysis between calculated and measured SBY revealed that measured SBY are on average 9.7–22.4% lower, partly due to unfavourable C/N ratios. Despite fluctuations in VFF composition, monthly variations in theoretically available energy contents are not particularly pronounced if an adapted substrate management is applied for anaerobic treatment of VFF.

Spatial and Seasonal Variation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Ambient Air of an Open Dumpsite, Benin City, Southern Nigeria

Spatial and Seasonal Variation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Ambient Air of an Open Dumpsite, Benin City, Southern Nigeria

Effects of Landfill Gas Flow Trajectories at Three Distinct Temperature Phases on the Stress-Strain-Displacement Properties of a Gas Extraction Pip

The rate of MSW generation is increasing and at present, there is no single engineered landfill designed to address the challenges posed by MSW generation in Nigeria. Unmanaged open dump sites and uncontrolled MSW disposal is currently practiced in Nigeria, thus this research work which is focused on the effects of landfill gas flow trajectories at three distinct temperature phases on the stress-strain-displacement properties of a gas extraction. Conservation mass equation was derived for solid, liquid, and gaseous phase. A PVC plastic with a linear elastic isotropic property was used. Von Mises Stress was used as the default failure criterion. The material yield and tensile strength were 52 N/mm^2 and 30 N/mm^2. Other properties of the material include; elastic modulus of 3000 N/mm^2, poisson's ratio of 0.394, mass density of 1020 g/cm^3, shear modulus of 318.9 N/mm^2, and thermal expansion coefficient of 79/K. The results obtained reveal that the rate of gas generation in a landfill is dependent on the increase in temperature and pressure within the landfill system, usually causing subsurface pressures in the landfill to be higher than either the atmospheric pressure or indoor air pressure.Keywords: Landfill, Gas flow trajectory, temperature, pressure, PVC plastic, open dump site

The Sources of Water Supply, Sanitation Facilities and Hygiene Practices in an Island Community: Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: The polarization of the Nigerian society with a population of about 198 million people, growing at the rate of 3.2% per annum, into a large rural sector and a small urban component provides a basis for the inadequate provision of health infrastructure in the rural areas. For instance, over 65% of Nigerian population who live in the rural areas are most neglected and deprived of basic services as well as other modern infrastructural necessities that are essential to the maintenance and promotion of good health. Hence its supply is a major factor for consideration in the health of any community. This study aimed to assess the sources of water supply, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in an island community of Amassoma, Bayelsa State. Materials and Method: A cross sectional descriptive study design was used, the 357-sample size for housing units was determined using the appropriate statistical formula and systematic sampling method was used with a sampling interval of two. A 30-item administered closed-ended structured questionnaire was used. Data was collected from 198 households and analysed using descriptive statistics with frequency counts and simple percentages using computer aided statistical analysis by Microsoft Excel. Results: The result identified multiple sources of water supply which includes rain, river/stream, pipe borne, borehole, sachet water and table water with borehole and sachet water being the major source. The sanitary condition of the water source shows that 28.8% dirty, 5.6% fairly clean, 68.7% admitted to not treating their water at home, while 15.2% just store at home, 10.1% use water guard and 6.0% practice boiling. For the toilet facilities, 40.9% use septic tank, 33.8% do open defecation, 15.7% use the river, 13.1% use traditional pit latrines, while 9.0% use ventilated improved toilet pit latrine. 5.6% were fairly clean, 28.8% dirty while 39.4% use the river for bathing purposes, 14.1% have open bathrooms while 1.6% have other forms of bathroom facilities. 63.6% dump their refuses at open dump sites while 10.6% burn theirs. 9.9% dump refuses in the river while 22.2% practice other forms of refuse disposal. Hand washing, an important hygiene practice with 95.9% practicing hand washing after visiting the toilet, 76.8% before cooking, 72.7% after cooking while 85.9% before eating. Common health problems show, 25.3% of the respondents had malaria, 20.7% diarrhoea, 9.1% skin rash, while 2.0% had cough. About 31.8% of them attributed poor sanitation as a causal factor, 23.2% of the respondents associated water as a possible causal factor, while 44.9% did not attribute their health challenges to any causal factor. 52.0% purchase drugs from patent drug stores for treatment, 36.9% visit hospitals, while 11.1% patronize traditional doctors. Conclusion: Sanitation facilities and safe water supply are insufficient in Amassoma community. This along with hygienic practices led to the prevalence of common illnesses in the community. Poor sanitation and unhygienic practices are still widely practiced. The State and Local Government should provide adequate portable water and sanitation facilities in public places with emphasis on citizen advocacy in the area of health education campaign.

Composition of plastic waste discarded by households and its management approaches

Among the emerging environmental issues within Sub-Saharan Africa is the haphazard disposal of plastic waste, some of which end up downstream in the marine environment leading to negative effects. Notably there have been cases of humpback whales getting entangled in ‘ghost’ fishing nets, and endangered turtles ingesting plastic wastes in Watamu beach in Kenya. The aim of the current study was to assess the composition and management of plastic waste discarded by households in Watamu ward. Stratified random sampling was used to collect data from households in four sub-locations within Watamu ward. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (the Freeman-Halton extension of the Fisher’s Exact test). The composition of plastics usually discarded as waste by households in order of dominance were low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene and polypropylene (FH=37.959, p = 0.000). From the results, only 0.7% of respondents recycled their plastic waste. The most preferred disposal method of household plastic waste was open dumpsites (61.4%) followed by burning (12.9%) and discards (6.4%). Majority of respondents (93.6%), re-use some plastic containers for food, water, and oil storage. There was a significant difference in terms of how the respondents re-used their plastic waste in the four sub-locations (FH=36.437, p=0.005). In conclusion, the current plastic waste disposal methods at Watamu are not environmentally friendly and recycling is still at a smaller scale despite its potential to generate income and clean the environment, and promote ecosystem services and human wellbeing.

Assessment of heavy metals contamination in soil due to leachate migration from open dumpsites in agbor area, delta state. Nigeria


 
 
 The concentration of heavy metals was studied in the soil samples collected around the municipal solid waste (MSW) open dumpsites in Agbor Area, to understand the heavy metal contamination due to leachate migration from the open dumping sites. The dumpsites receive approximately 300-400 tonnes of municipal solid waste. Solid waste characterization was carried out for the municipal solid waste to know the basic composition of solid waste which is dumped in the dumping site. The heavy metals concentration in the soil samples was analyzed. The heavy metal concentration in the collected soil sample was found in the following order: Fe>Zn>Ni>Cu>Pb>Cr>Cd. The presence of heavy metals in soil samples indicates that there is appreciable contamination of the soil by leaching migration from an open dumping site. However, these pollutants species will continuously migrate and attenuate through the soil strata and after a certain period of time, they might contaminate the groundwater system if there is no action to be taken to prevent this phenomenon.
 
 

Environmental burden by an open dumpsite in urban India

Open municipal solid waste (MSW) dumpsites are nowadays looming hotspots for water, air, and land pollution. Fresh and old MSW samples collected from a dumpsite in the coastal city of India were analyzed for moisture content, volatile content, energy content, elements, and toxic heavy metals. The compositional analysis results showed that fresh MSW consisted of 36% by weight bio-waste (food waste, yard waste, coconut waste) and around 30% recyclable materials (plastics, paper, cardboard, and metals). Approximately, 62% of the total fresh MSW was found to be combustible materials (plastics, paper, textile, rubber, cardboard, yard waste, and coconut husks). The analysis of old MSW samples collected from different depths (3–4 m and 6–7 m) showed the dominance of plastics (25–33%) and mixed residue (28–55%) having high energy content. Measurements of gaseous emission below 6–7 m from the surface indicated a higher concentration of methane (CH4:5.85 ± 0.12%) and lower concentration of carbon monoxide (CO: 3.82 ± 1.3 ppm), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S:10.15 ± 2.2 ppm). Haphazard dumping, waste characteristics, waste pile compaction processes and heat propagation due to deliberate fire may stimulate spontaneous fires.

Methane Flux Estimation in MSW Open Dump Site by In-Situ Measurement and IPCC (DM and FOD) Model

This paper deals with the use of different methods to predict methane generation on an open dump site. Methane recovery data obtained on site as part of a research program being carried out at the Devguradia dumpsite, Indore, is analyzed and used to obtain field methane emission in three seasons. Field data from Municipal solid waste (MSW) dump site are presented and discussed measured in-situ technique i.e. using close chamber methods. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Default Method (DM) and First order Decay (FOD) method is used to estimate methane generation. It is found that despite the assumptions and the simplicity of the adopted procedures, the values methane obtained are slightly varying to those measured in the field. The values obtained were 4.5, 2.9 and 0.35 Gg/y respectively.

Evaluation of Health Risk Concerns of Trace Metals in Borehole Water Proximal to Dumpsites in Benin City, Nigeria

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the health risk concern of some trace metals in selected borehole drinking water proximal to open dumpsites in Benin City. Borehole water samples were collected and analysed for trace metals using standard methods. Health risk and pollution indices were used to characterise the trace metals. The average daily dosage (ADD) results showed low concentrations of the trace metals in the various borehole sites. Oluku 1 had Mn (0.04), Zn (0.11) and Cu (0.01). Oluku 2 had Mn (0.43), Zn (0.18) and Cu (0.01) while Ikueniro 1 had Mn (0.05), Zn (0.17) and Cu (0.01) and Ikueniro 2 had Mn (0.04), Zn (0.15) and Cu (0.01). The hazard quotient (HQs) and hazard index (HI) values were < 1. The results of the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) revealed the values of Oluku 1 (4.6E-06), Oluku 2 (1.0E-04), Ikueniro 1 (1.4-05) and Ikueniro 2 (5.6E-06). The classification of the water were within class 0 and 1. The findings of this study have revealed that the trace metal contents found in the boreholes waters were within the safe limits as referenced. On this premise, the borehole waters were recommended safe for consumption without any health risk impact, consequent of no evidence of pollution. Keywords : Health Risk; Trace Metals; Borehole Water; Dumpsites

Investigation of the Aquifer Protective Capacity and Groundwater Quality around Some Open Dumpsites in Sapele Delta State, Nigeria

Aquifer protective capacity and groundwater quality investigations around some open dumpsites were conducted along New Road Sapele, Delta State. Nine Schlumberger arrangements of vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out with a maximum electrode separation of 500 m, and obtained data were interpreted by partial curve matching and computer iteration using Win Resist software. 2D survey using nine dipole-dipole stations was also utilized to give resistivity map of the dumpsites, while standard laboratory methods were used to analyze the groundwater. The study shows four to five geoelectric sections. The aquifer is within the third, fourth, and fifth layers at a depth of 30 m. The overburden protective capacity from the total longitudinal unit conductance indicates that VES 1 and 5 are adequately protected with protective capacity of 0.7 to 0.9 mhos, VES 2, 3, 6, and 7 are moderately protected with conductance values of 0.2 to 0.69 mhos, VES 4 is weakly protected with values of 0.12 mhos, and VES 8 and 9 are poorly protected with values of 0.003 to 0.004 mhos. In the 2D imaging, VES 4, 8, and 9 show contaminant presence to the depth of 20 m while VES 3, 6, and 7 show contamination to a depth of 50 m. However, the aquifer shows good transmissivity, an indication that if it is contaminated, the contaminants will circulate the aquifer at a high rate. The groundwater flows in the northeast (NE) direction, thereby recharging river Ethiope. The study also shows the presence of lead (0.01 mg/l), nickel (0.02 mg/l), and cadmium (0.03 mg/l), which made it unsafe for drinking and use in other life-related activities. Groundwater should hence be sourced from a depth of about 45–50 m in order to tap from the uncontaminated aquifer.

Impact analysis of vegetation cover on land surface temperature (LST) at Lakhodair landfill and Mehmood Booti open dump site of Lahore, Pakistan

Impact analysis of vegetation cover on land surface temperature (LST) at Lakhodair landfill and Mehmood Booti open dump site of Lahore, Pakistan