Open Waste Dumpsites Research Articles

Human and Ecological Risk Assessment of Soil and Plants Metal Contamination in a Tropical Municipal Solid Waste Dumping Site

ABSTRACT The growing open waste dumpsite contributes to heavy metal leaching, harming public health and ecosystem services. Hence, the study’s novelty lies in its integrated assessment of heavy metal concentration (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil and plants, incorporating risk assessment using both single and combined indexes in the largest active waste dumpsite in Kelantan, Malaysia. Heavy metal in soil samples Cu (164.896 ± 205.096), Pb (122.177 ± 93.309), and Cr (32.74 ± 26.569) were recorded to exceed the standards, while in the studied plants (castor bean, papaya, pea eggplant, and water spinach), Pb concentrations in all plant parts have surpassed the Malaysia Food Regulation (1985) and FAO/WHO guidelines (2016). Translocation factor (TF) in Cu, Cr, and Pb in water spinach and Cr, Cu, and Cd in pea eggplant have TF > 1. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) was < 1 in pea eggplant and water spinach except for Pb in pea eggplant. Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between heavy metals in the soil while contrasts in the plants. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) reveals that the soil waste dumpsite is contaminated with heavy metals. The hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values of heavy metals on the soil surface had negligible non-cancer risks posed to adults and indicate that soil ingestion and dermal absorption were the two primary carcinogenic risk exposure routes. These findings implied that Beris Lalang waste dumpsite is a potential source of toxic pollutants to the environment and the local population. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and design an implementation plan for leachate treatment plant. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the specific contaminants present in the leachate and their potential impacts on the environment should be conducted to inform targeted and effective treatment strategies.

Determination of some heavy metals and physicochemical properties in contaminated soils of open waste dumpsite in Awka, Anambra State

The current study was designed for the assessment of cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc and manganese and some physicochemical properties of soils collected from an open dumpsite in Awka, Nigeria. Soil samples at the depth (0-20 cm) were randomly collected at the dump field and were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metals using standard analytical methods. The results show that the main dumpsite had a high sand content (91.48% ± 0.26%) with a low silt 4.07% ± 0.03% and clay 4.65% ± 0.00%. The pH of the dumpsite soils was 6.07 ± 0.04 which is an acidic pH. Organic matter (%) and organic carbon (%) were 3.84 ± 0.06 and 2.23 ± 0.04 respectively. The EC (µS cm-1) was 476.9 ± 0.00 while the ECEC (cmol/kg) 18.93 ± 0.04. The bulk density (g cm-3) was 1.32 ± 0.00 and the porosity (%) of the dump soil was 41.40 ± 0.00. Total metal concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn and Mn were also analyzed and the concentrations of the heavy metals at dumpsitewas obtained (28.35 ± 0.21 to 149.10 ± 0.01 mg/kg). Metal contamination at dumpsite was in the order of Mn ˃ Zn ˃ Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Cr ˃ Ni. The study evidently indicates the presence of heavy metal contamination in the dumpsite even though some of them fell below the critical permissible concentration level. However, it is their accumulation and persistence in the soils of the dump site that may be a cause of concern for their surrounding environment and organisms.

Investigation of Groundwater Contamination from Akanran Open Waste Dumpsite, Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria, using Geoelectrical and Geochemical Techniques

In recent times, large waste is produced especially in an urban area due to population with careless handling which calls for worries. Hence, the study determines the effect of Akanran dumpsite on the groundwater quality for drinking and domestic purposes. It employs the geophysical and geochemical methods. Wenner configuration was adopted with constant electrode separation ranging from 5 to 25 m to acquire five profiles within and outside the dumpsite and processed using DIPROWIN 4.01 software. Soil and water samples were collected and analysed. The 2-D pseudosection revealed a very low resistivity value which is less than 10 ohm-meter and is suspected to be leachate infiltration which migrates to a depth of 7 m. The results of soil analysis show that clay ranges between 9.61 - 18.8 %., silt between 9.27 – 19.7 % and an average bulk density of 1.48 (relatively high for a sandy loam) which suggests that infiltration of the leachate is minimal. The pH of the water sample analysis obtained is 6.9, suggesting acidic concentrates in the groundwater of the study area. However, this pH value for drinking water is within the permissible level of 6.5 – 8.5 indicating that the groundwater in the study area is suitable for drinking and also for other purposes. A Nitrate level of 2.56 mg/l in the water sample falls within 50.0 mg/l, and nitrite level of 0.09 mg/l which is moderate when compared to the permissible level limit of 0.20 mg/l. The concentration of heavy metals in hand-dug well sample from Akanran dumpsite are Zn (1.81 mg/l), Cu (0.38 mg/l), Cr (0.003 mg/l) which are within the permissible level limit and Pb (0.21 mg/l) which recorded high metal concentration which may suggest that the dumpsite contain waste metals which may leach down the soil. In conclusion, the groundwater in the area of the survey is safe and there is possible contamination with time.&#x0D;

Ecological and potential health risk assessment of heavy metals in soils and food crops grown in abandoned urban open waste dumpsite.

This work investigated the levels, ecological and potential human health risk of heavy metals in soils and crop plants of an abandoned open municipal solid waste dumpsite being used for agricultural crop planting at Ugwuaji in Enugu, Nigeria. Samples of soils and plants were collected from the site and heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, Zn, Al and Fe) contents and some soil physicochemical parameters were determined after wet digestion with Nitric acid/perchloric acid mixture. The digested samples and all the supernatants were analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu AA7000 made in Japan) fitted with deuterium lamp for background correction. The heavy metal concentrations in the soils (mg/kg) ranged from 20.825 to 62.501; 7.25 to 11.806; 54.074 to 275.559; 10.861 to 40.139; 1835.751 to 2225.768; and 7166.724 to 11,601.940 for Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Al and Zn respectively. The Cr, Fe, Al, and Zn contents (mg/kg) in the plants samples were within the recommended limits but Cd levels were higher. The ecological and health risk assessments revealed contamination and high human health risk associated to Cd. Apart from Cd, other heavy metals under investigation in the soil posed low ecological risk. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for Cd in the plants samples were all above one except for for Ocimum gratissimum, indicating that people consuming the plants cultivated in the vicinity of the dumpsite may experience adverse effects due to Cd toxicity.

A Comparative Study on the Effects of Leachate on Groundwater in Selected Dumpsites in Rivers State, Nigeria

The health and environmental risk associated with unlined open waste dumpsites are worrisome. This study, therefore, evaluated the leachate and its final fate on groundwater pollution at selected solid wastes dumpsites in Rivers State. Leachate samples collected near the dumpsites were analyzed to determine the physical and biochemical characteristics. The two studied dumpsites indicated that the computed TCB were 296.33±6.22 cfu/100 ml and 182.68±21.33 cfu/100 ml respectively which were within the permissible limits of 400cfu/100 ml specified by World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv); which suggest low quantities of disease-causing agents in the groundwater. The total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) were 21x104 cfu/ml and 17x104 cfu/ml. These high values of THB may not be an indication of contamination of groundwater but it indicates a gradual decline in raw water quality. The values of SO42-, PO43-, TDS, DO, BOD and COD at the dumpsites were 196.52±6.26 mg/l and 9.12±0.59 mg/l, 139.23±3.19 mg/l and 3.81±0.68 mg/l, 5952.23±72.52 mg/l and 12663.33±490.95 mg/l;1.51±0.42. mg/l and 2.02±0.16 mg/l; 31.22±4.12 mg/l and 21.33±3.51 mg/l, and313.30±6.57 mg/l and 270.33±26.16 mg/l respectively which exceeded the standards of the WHO and FMEnv. The high values of analyzed parameters were an indication of the groundwater contamination. Heavy metals in the Rumuosi dumpsite indicated 11.31±1.33 mg/l, 11.01±0.67 mg/l, 361.84±12.31 mg/l, 118.03±5.74 mg/l and 84.77±4.84 mg/l for Pb, As, Mn, Fe and Zn respectively. While Heavy metals thresholds at Igwuruta were 0.004±0.005 mg/l, 0.04±0.07 mg/l, 0.05±0.08 mg/l, 0.08±0.14 mg/l and 0.15±0.04 mg/l respectively. Rumuosi thresholds exceeded the standards, indicating that the exposed local people in the nearby communities may experience cases of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk by drinking the groundwater. The leachate pollution index (LPI) at the studied dumpsites indicated 13.58 and 12.9 which exceeded the internationally accepted benchmark of 7.38; indicating that the Rumuosi leachate was more polluted than Igwuruta leachate. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the pollutant characteristics indicated a significant difference at p=0.05 across the physicochemical and biological indicators at Rumuosi dumpsite over Igwuruta dumpsite. The researcher recommended the practice of sanitary landfill which may reduce the risk of leachate percolation, a primary source of groundwater contamination.

Assessment of the impact of open waste dumpsite on groundwater quality: A case study of the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City, Philippines

Open dumpsites such as Payatas dumpsite situated in Quezon City, Philippines could pose environmental and health risk. This is in addition to the fact that Payatas dumpsite is located at the edge of the hydrologic divide between the Novaliches Reservoir and Marikina River System. A series of groundwater samplings were conducted in eighteen water well sites peripheral to both the old and new dumpsites of Payatas. Physico-chemical analyses were performed and results were compared to Philippines’ National Standards for Drinking Water and to Environmental Water Quality Guidelines. The levels of heavy metals with the exception of lead (Pb) from residential wells were found to be generally below the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2016-08 threshold guideline levels and below tolerable values for drinking water standard set by the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH). The low heavy metal contents on adjacent residential wells maybe attributed to probable nondispersionl in a halo-like pattern of the leachate from its source. Characterization of leachate samples indicated unusually high metals content and transport of the leachate through groundwater flow have been detected on nearby springs and well. Further, an unusually high Pb background (> 0.01 mg/L) relative to groundwater quality standard was inferred from the series of samples collected from residential wells around Payatas dumpsite. The very linear correlation between Zn and Pb contents in these water samples imply its inherent presence in groundwater. Experimentally calculated groundwater quality indices showed the groundwater samples collected from residential wells around Payatas dumpsite were unsuitable for human consumption. Based on the assessment findings, implications for policy and decision-making suggestions for sustainable management of Philippines’ groundwater resources are put forward.

Micronucleus Assay and Heavy Metals Characterization of E-waste Dumpsites in Lagos and Osun States, Southwest Nigeria

The contamination of the aquatic ecosystem with heavy metals arising from the discharge of electronic waste (e-waste) or seepage of leachate from open waste dumpsites is on the increase. The impact of e-waste leachate on the micronucleus (MN) of Tilapia guineensis and the levels of heavy metals ( Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Al and Ba) in the sediments, water, leachate and aquatic fauna ( Tilapia guineensis, Callinectes amnicola and Cardiosoma armatum ) found in and around e-waste dumpsites in Lagos and Osun States was studied. The levels of heavy metals were determined using PyeUnicam model 969 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Inductive Coupling Plasma Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ICP-AAS).The heavy metal concentrations decreased in the order: Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Cr ˃ Hg ˃ Al ˃Ba ˃As in the samples. The level of Cd in fish muscle from Lagos (1.4mg/kg) exceeded the Environment Canada threshold effect level (EC TEL, 2006) recommended for sea food (1.0mg/kg). The calculated bioconcentration factor (BCF) for fish gills (1.4 and1.0) and fish muscles. (3.6 and 1.2) from Lagos and Osun States respectively as well as the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for crabs (1.78 and 1.36) are strong indications of the ability of the organisms to bioaccumulate the heavy metals. The MN assay showed an initial increase in the frequency of mionccronuclei on the 7th day which gradually decreased on the 14th and 21st day. The result of this study reveals the toxic impacts of e-waste contamination on ecological and human health in a developing economy.

Leachate characterization and assessment of surface and groundwater water qualities near municipal solid waste dump site at Okuvo, Delta State, Nigeria

The paucity of standard engineered landfills in Nigeria has given rise to the proliferation of open waste dumpsites. The environment can be impacted negatively by leachates from these dumpsites if not properly managed. This study aimed at assessing the characteristics of municipal solid waste leachate and its contamination potential on surface and groundwater. Leachate, groundwater and surface water samples were collected from refuse dump site, saver pit, borehole and river in the vicinity of the Okuvo refuse dump site. Physical parameters, oxygen demanding parameters, nutrients and heavy metals were investigated using standard laboratory procedures. Results obtained were compared with standards from national regulatory agencies. The BOD/COD ratio for the leachates varied from 0.34 to 0.52, indicating high organic content. Surrounding water bodies show low pollution from the discharged leachates as indicated by unobjectionable odour and colour, pH (6.55-7.20), DO (3.02-6.60mgl-1), BOD (0.55-2.90mgl-1), COD (1.98-7.45mgl-1), phosphate (0.18-0.52mgl-1) and nitrate (0.06-0.24mgl-1) results. Heavy metals concentrations range from 0.011-0.028mgl-1, 0.005-0.018mgl-1, 0.032-0.096mgl-1, 0.001-0.008mgl-1, 0.001-0.003mgl-1 and 0.010-0.018mgl-1 for Ni, Cr, Fe, Pb, Cd and Mn. Concentrations values for Arsenic and mercury were &lt;0.001mgl-1. These were all within the country’s regulatory limits except few recorded concentrations of nickel where concentrations were observed to be slightly higher. These observed results may be as a result of the young age of the dumpsite. Some proactive remedial actions were suggested to curtail future environmental and health implications posed by the dumpsite. The study concludes that in spite of absence of pollution, the groundwater beneath the landfill has the tendency of being polluted in the distant future except the refuse dump site is upgraded to an engineered standard landfill with effective monitoring protocols put in place.Keywords: Landfills, Solid waste, Contamination, Surface and Water pollution

Leachate Characterization and Leachate Pollution Index from Landfill Dump Sites in Warri Metropolis, Nigeria

The paucity of standard engineered landfills in Nigeria has given rise to the proliferation of open waste dumpsites. The environment can be impacted by leachates from these dumpsites if not properly managed. This study assessed the characteristics of leachates from three open dumpsites in Warri Metropolis and its contamination potential using leachate pollution index (LPI). The dump sites had low pH with acidic level lower than the recommended limit. The calculated LPI values of the three sites ranges from 6.377 to 7.438. These values are low when compared to open dumpsites in other metropolitan areas of similar climatic conditions. The low value of LPI for leachate indicates relatively lower contaminant potential due to low concentrations of heavy metals, relatively young age of the landfill as well as low population and organic origin of the wastes. The calculated low LPI value does not in any way preclude the continuous monitoring of the dumpsites as the values recorded are just slightly below the threshold level. It is recommended that there should be an upgrade of all open dumpsites to a standard engineered landfill with a robust and effective monitoring put to curtail future release of deleterious materials from these dumpsites.

Leachate Characterization and Leachate Pollution Index from Landfill Dump Sites in Warri Metropolis, Nigeria

The paucity of standard engineered landfills in Nigeria has given rise to the proliferation of open waste dumpsites. The environment can be impacted by leachates from these dumpsites if not properly managed. This study assessed the characteristics of leachates from three open dumpsites in Warri Metropolis and its contamination potential using leachate pollution index (LPI). The dump sites had low pH with acidic level lower than the recommended limit. The calculated LPI values of the three sites ranges from 6.377 to 7.438. These values are low when compared to open dumpsites in other metropolitan areas of similar climatic conditions. The low value of LPI for leachate indicates relatively lower contaminant potential due to low concentrations of heavy metals, relatively young age of the landfill as well as low population and organic origin of the wastes. The calculated low LPI value does not in any way preclude the continuous monitoring of the dumpsites as the values recorded are just slightly below the threshold level. It is recommended that there should be an upgrade of all open dumpsites to a standard engineered landfill with a robust and effective monitoring put to curtail future release of deleterious materials from these dumpsites.

English

Open waste dump sites are a common spectacle in Nigeria. These sites may cause neurotoxicity to people dwelling in their vicinity. Hence, the present study investigated the effects of long-term habitation at the vicinity of refuse dump sites on motor, mood and cognitive behaviours in rats, as well as on cerebellar histology. Young adult male Wistar rats, approximately 70 days old, were used for this study. Rats were housed in the vicinity of a refuse dump site for 8 months. At the end of 8 months rats were subjected to neurobehavioural studies in the open-field test (OFT), elevated-plus maze (EPM) and Morris water maze (MWM). Following behavioural studies, the cerebellum was excised and prepared for routine Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining protocol. Results showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05) on motor parameters of the OFT between exposed rats and control. Also, exposed rats showed significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) % time in open arms on the EPM, and significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) latency in the MWM. Histological studies revealed alterations to the cerebellar white core as well as degenerative changes of the Purkinje cells. This study therefore shows that long-term habitation in the vicinity of refuse dump site may be injurious to brain structures accompanied with behavioural defects. Key words: Refuse dump, behaviour, motor, cerebellum, rats.

Effects of an open Waste dump-site on groundwater quality in Ekurede-Urhobo, Warri, Delta State, (Nigeria)

An assessment of the quality of groundwater around an open dump-site was carried out using borehole water samples collected from two points each, close to the dump-site and a control point outside the vicinity. Analysis showed that with the exception of temperature and salinity, which were not significantly different across the sampling points, other parameters differed significantly (P&lt;0.01 and P&lt;0.001). The ‘a posteriori’ comparison using Duncan Multiple Range (DMR) test revealed that EC, Nitrate, BOD, THC, TDS and TSS recorded lower levels at the control borehole in relation to the two boreholes close to the dump-site. THB and coliform also recorded lower values at the control borehole. Fe was the only heavy metal shown to be highly significantly different (P&lt;0.001) with higher concentrations at points close to the dump-site. Other metals had mean values of 0.001mg/l across sampling points. The months of June and October recorded higher values for most parameters. The dump-site can be said to have had effects on its surrounding groundwater with, increased levels of iron, THC, Nitrate, coliform, and EC. Evacuation and remediation of the dump-site is necessary to stop further contamination of the aquifer.Key Words: Open dump-site, Groundwater, Quality, Ekurede-Urhobo, Warri, Nigeria

Assessment of the Impact of Open Waste Dumpsites on Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of the Onibu-Eja Dumpsite, Southwestern Nigeria

This research study assessed the impact of an open dumpsite on the quality of surface and shallow groundwater within its vicinity. Twenty water samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, major ions, and trace metals.All major ions revealed concentrations within the acceptable limits of both standards, except chloride and sodium in some of the wells, probably due to addition of a disinfectant (“water guard”) and weathering of feldspars that characterize the basement rocks. For most of the trace metals, the concentrations were below detectable limits, except for zinc, iron, and manganese. However, iron and zinc concentrations fall well within the acceptable limit of both WHO and NSDWQ standards, while manganese concentrations were above the limit in most of the surface and shallow groundwaters downslope of the dumpsite. This could be attributed to leachates from the waste.

Effects of Open Waste Dump-site on its Surrounding Surface Water Quality in Ekurede-urhobo, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Effects of Open Waste Dump-site on its Surrounding Surface Water Quality in Ekurede-urhobo, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

A survey of operational characteristics, socioeconomic and health effects of scavenging activity in Lagos, Nigeria

This study presents the social, economic, health and environmental implications of solid waste scavenging activity in Olusosun, one of the government's designated open waste dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria. Using incidental or convenience sampling methods of questionnaire administration, 112 scavengers were sampled. It was established that scavenging on the site was only possible through registration with an associate on site. Recovering items from hills of waste involved physical energy and the use of manually-operated rudimentary equipment. Thus, 87% of the scavengers were males in their early twenties (minimum age = 19 years; maximum age = 35 years; mean = 26.7 years; SD = 4.2). The daily mean income from the exercise was Naira 480.80 (Naira 160 = $1.00). The most important method of arriving at the selling prices of the scavenged products was the use of scale measurement. Although the scavengers were aware that scavenging exposed them to both environmental and health hazards, they continued scavenging for economic and social reasons. The study concluded that because of the level of employment provided and the large number of people directly involved (1243 on this site alone), outright banning, even when the open dump is closed down, without rehabilitating the scavengers will constitute a social, economic and security threat to the community. Scavenging should, therefore, be integrated fully into the waste-management system and regulated.

Analysis of municipal waste dump soil using a low power reactor: a study by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Abstract Soil samples from an open waste dump site and a background sample from a site located beside Kashmir Highway near sector H-11, Islamabad, were analyzed for 36 major, minor and trace elements. Suitable instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) methodology was developed through optimization of irradiation, cooling and counting protocols using a 27 kW low power miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR). Large variations in the composition of soil samples taken from the dump site were observed and it was found that most of the elements including Al, Ca, Ti, As, Br, Ce, Co, Cs, Ga, Hf, Mn, Nd, La, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sn, Ta, Tb Th, V, Yb, Zn, Eu, Se, and Zr, in the background soil lie in the concentration range of the dump soil sample. However, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ba, Rb, Sr, U, Zn, Hg and Sb were found to be in higher amounts in the dump site samples. To validate the developed INAA methodology and to ensure the accuracy and precision of the results, IAEA Lake Sediment (SL-1) and IAEA Soil-7 (S-7) were analyzed as control materials.

Environmental geological investigations at the Van open dump site, southeastern Turkey

This study evaluates the geological, hydrogeological and hydrological conditions at the open waste dump site of the Van municipality in eastern Anatolia, Turkey. A geological map and a three-dimensional view of the project site have been prepared. All lithological units exposed at and near the dump site have been determined and their boundary relationships identified. Drainage basin characteristics of the dump site along with the water bearing properties of different lithological units have been assessed. For the rehabilitation of the existing dump site, material availability (clay as a liner, cap, and daily cover material; granular soil as a filter material) has been researched. Based on the geological, hydrogeological, morphological and hydrological conditions of the existing waste dump site, recommendations to minimize its environmental impact are presented.