Refuse Dump Sites Research Articles

Mapping Groundwater Contamination around a Dumpsite in Benin City, Nigeria Using VLF-EM Method

An electromagnetic survey was used to delineate conductive and non conductive zones in order to accurately locate electrical resistivity tomography profiles at Ikhueniro refuse dumpsite. The survey comprised four roughly N ‐ S, and E ‐ W direction, very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) profiles around the perimeter of refuse dumpsite where contaminants/conductive bodies were observed using resistivity imaging and soil analysis method in a previous study. The Fraser and the Karous-Hjelt filters were used in the interpretation of the VLF-EM field data. The data inversion was carried out using a 2-D code which was constrained using previous resistivity survey. The results of the resistivity models calculated from the pseudosections indicate the presences of low resistivity zone up to a depth of 50 m within the subsurface that is in a good agreement with the results obtained from the previous resistivity imaging survey which indicated leachate contamination at the refuse dumpsite.

Prevalence of Human Infecting Geohelminths in Soil Found around Refuse Dumpsites in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria

Prevalence of Human Infecting Geohelminths in Soil Found around Refuse Dumpsites in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria

Agent-based modelling of cholera diffusion

This paper introduces a spatially explicit agent-based simulation model for micro-scale cholera diffusion. The model simulates both an environmental reservoir of naturally occurring V.cholerae bacteria and hyperinfectious V. cholerae. Objective of the research is to test if runoff from open refuse dumpsites plays a role in cholera diffusion. A number of experiments were conducted with the model for a case study in Kumasi, Ghana, based on an epidemic in 2005. Experiments confirm the importance of the hyperinfectious transmission route, however, they also reveal the importance of a representative spatial distribution of the income classes. Although the contribution of runoff from dumpsites can never be conclusively proven, the experiments show that modelling the epidemic via this mechanism is possible and improves the model results. Relevance of this research is that it shows the possibilities of agent-based modelling combined with pattern reproduction for cholera diffusion studies. The proposed model is simple in its setup but can be extended by adding additional elements such as human movement and change of behaviour of individuals based on disease awareness. Eventually, agent-based models will open opportunities to explore policy related research questions related to interventions to influence the diffusion process.

Factors Explaining Households’ Cash Payment for Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Behaviors in South Africa

Environmental safety is one of the top policy priorities in some developing countries. This study analyzed the factors influencing waste disposal and recycling by households in South Africa. The data were collected by Statistics South Africa in 2012 during the General Household Survey (GHS). Analysis of the data was carried out with the Bivariate Probit model. The results showed that 56.03% and 31.98% of all the households disposed waste through local authority/private companies and own refuse dump sites, respectively. Limpopo and Mpumalanga had the highest usage of own refuse dump sites and dumping of waste anywhere. Littering (34.03%) and land degradation (31.53%) were mostly perceived by the households, while 38.42% were paying for waste disposal and 8.16% would be willing to pay. Only 6.54% and 1.70% of all the households were recycling and selling waste respectively with glass (4.10%) and papers (4.02%) being most recycled. The results of the Bivariate Probit model identified income, access to social grants, Indian origin, and attainment of formal education as significant variables influencing payment for waste disposal and recycling. It was inter alia recommended that revision of environmental law, alleviating poverty, and gender sensitive environmental education and awareness creation would enhance environmental conservation behaviors in South Africa.

Quantitative Changes in Soil Properties and Plant Uptake of Metals on Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsite in Nigeria

In this work concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Mn were determined in soils and plants from refuse dumpsites in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. The refuse dump soils were evaluation using contamination/pollution factor (C/P), Enrichment factor (EF), Index of Geoaccumulation (Igeo) and Pollution load index were calculated. The observation suggests high C/P values of the dump soil are polluted by Cd, Cr and Ni acts as a sink for heavy metals contributed from anthropogenic sources in the study area. C/P data, EF, PLI and (Igeo) indicated that these heavy metals originate from anthropogenic sources. Fe and Ni loads in plants from the refuse dump soils pronounced maximum concentration than Nigeria guideline. Transfer ratios for Cd, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe of plants from the control soils were higher than those from the refuse dump soils.

Quantitative Changes in Soil Properties and Plant Uptake of Metals on Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsite in Nigeria

In this work concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Mn were determined in soils and plants from refuse dumpsites in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. The refuse dump soils were evaluation using contamination/pollution factor (C/P), Enrichment factor (EF), Index of Geoaccumulation (Igeo) and Pollution load index were calculated. The observation suggests high C/P values of the dump soil are polluted by Cd, Cr and Ni acts as a sink for heavy metals contributed from anthropogenic sources in the study area. C/P data, EF, PLI and (Igeo) indicated that these heavy metals originate from anthropogenic sources. Fe and Ni loads in plants from the refuse dump soils pronounced maximum concentration than Nigeria guideline. Transfer ratios for Cd, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe of plants from the control soils were higher than those from the refuse dump soils.

Assessing public perception of odours in a community: case of Ayigya Zongo, an urban poor community in Ghana

Malodour has been identified as a barrier to utilization of sanitation facilities. It is generally recognized that for effective odour control measures to be implemented, the problem must first be quantified. With today's increasing levels of development, odour nuisance has become a major environmental issue. Citizen complaints about and reaction to odours caused by landfills (including refuse dump sites), waste water treatment plants (most of which are non-functional), public (communal) toilets, industrial processes, and other sources have made it difficult to secure sites for such facilities. Current trends show a community impact approach based on citizen involvement. This paper discusses a rapid baseline survey carried out as part of a community odour annoyance study conducted in Ayigya Zongo, an urban poor community in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. The study quantified the public perception (impact) of all odours in the community through a face-to-face interview survey utilizing a structured questionnaire protocol. Responses from the survey were analysed with SPSS software program (version 20.0). Methods, results, and conclusions of the study are each discussed.

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&E) staining protocol. Results showed significant difference (p<0.05) on motor parameters of the OFT between exposed rats and control. Also, exposed rats showed significantly lower (P<0.05) % time in open arms on the EPM, and significantly higher (p<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.

Abandonment Of A Neonate With Natal Tooth

A natal tooth is one that is already present in the mouth when a neonate is born while a neonatal tooth erupts within the first 28 days of life. Cultural views of natal teeth can differ significantly from positive to extremely negative. In Africa, especially in Nigeria, societal myths have led to unpleasant social experiences. Many African tribes believe that children born with teeth will bring misfortune to all the people they would interact with while others believe that such a condition can be regarded as a criterion for determining if a child is a witch.It has been documented that the parents of such infants are stigmatized and often ostracized, rejected, scorned and shunned. Such parents have occasionally resorted to extreme actions such as infanticide or abandonment of the child. This case report documents a 3 day old male neonate with natal tooth who was abandoned on a refuse dump site at Olusosun, a rural community in Lagos State; and was brought to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH) by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) officials.Key words: Natal tooth; LASUTH; Abandonment

Histological alteration of the pulmonary alveoli, renal cortex and spleen following exposure to open refuse dump site

Background: Wastes are mainly unwanted products from domestic and industrial sources, which increases due to accelerated industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. Open refuse dumping is the predominant form of waste disposal method in Nigeria and presents huge environmental and health challenges. Hence, this study investigated the effects of long-term exposure of rats to refuse dump sites on histological and serum analysis in three organs; kidney, lungs, and spleen. Materials and Methods: Twelve Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into two groups made up of 6 rats in each group. Group A was the controls and group B was the experimental. The experimental rats were exposed to refuse dump fume by keeping them in a research hut built in a refuse dump site for 8 months while the control rats were keep in the Department of Human Anatomy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. Results: There was loss of the elastic tissue support for bronchioles, alveolar wall and coalescence of adjacent alveoli as compared with the control. Serum urea concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in exposed rats (9.08 ± 1.58) compared with control rats (5.00 ± 0.32). Similarly, serum creatinine concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in exposed rats (106.20 ± 14.94) compared to Control rats (53.67 ± 5.68). All measured serum electrolytes were significantly altered (P < 0.05). Sodium ions (Na+) (90.17 ± 7.68) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3−) (2.33 ± 0.33) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) while potassium ions (K+) (61.83 ± 6.70) and chloride ions (Cl−) (117.2 ± 3.08) were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results revealed histological distortion in experimental animals due to exposure to refuse dump site.

Effect of Open Refuse Dumpsite on the Quality of Underground Water Used for Domestic Purposes in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria - A Public Health Awareness Study

The quality of underground water is compromised by the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the environment and contamination by leachate. The effect of the dunghill leachate on the physicochemical and microbial quality of water samples collected from closest wells to the municipal waste disposing sites were investigated using standard chemical and microbiological methods. Different antibiotics (amoxicillin, amoxicillin clavulanic acid, chloramphenicol, cloxacillin, cotrimoxazole, erythromycin, gentamicin, nalidixic, nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin, streptomycin and tetracycline) were screened against two indicator organisms ( Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli ) isolated from water samples. The distances of the wells from the foot of the nearby dump sites ranges from 85.3 to 25.7 m. The pH values of the water samples ranged between 5.86 and 7.84. The turbidity of the water samples was also between 1.0 and 8.0 NTU. Five heavy metals were detected in the water samples with zinc having the highest value. The observed concentrations of metals in the wells water samples were presented as Zn˃Pb˃Cu˃Co˃Hg. The total bacterial count of the water samples from the well ranged between 2.2 × 10 1 cfu/ml and 2.51 × 10 2 cfu/ml while the coliform load ranged from 9.1 × 10 1 cfu/ml and 1.3 × 10 1 cfu/ml. Cloxacillin and tetracycline were not effective against the most of the E. faecalis isolates. Only 48 (71.66 %) and 53 (88.33 %) E. faecalis strains were sensitive to cloxacillin and tetracycline, respectively. Gentamicin was most effective on E. faecalis . Out of the eight antibiotics tested, ofloxacin was most effective against the pathogen. The quality of the water samples were below the tolerable level and unfit for domestic purposes.

The Impact of a Waste Disposal Site on Soil and Groundwater in Dusten-Kura Gwari, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

This work studies the impact of waste disposal site on soil and groundwater from a refuse dump site in Dusten Kura Gwari, Minna, Niger state, northcentral Nigeria using vertical electrical sounding and results of soil and water analysis in the vicinity of the dump. Twenty Vertical Electrical Sounding were carried out along two profile inside the dump comprise of sixteen VESand another fouroutside the dump to serve as control.The resistivity values for all VES in the dump have low resistivity (25.6Ωm 85.1Ωm), while that of control sit range between (190.9Ωm – 233.6Ωm).The result of well water and soil within the study area showed elevation in some of the parameters analysed which make the water unsafe for drinking. Keyword: Groundwater, Refuse, Disposal, Resistivity and contamination

Application of Geographical Information System in Analysis of Suitability Refuse Dump Sites Location of Keffi town, Nasarawa state

Most of the developing countries are facing a lot of problems concerning to the garbage disposal and waste management. The truth is that, population is increasing; as such the rate of consumption also increases. These create more issues and problems in relation to social, environment, economic and health especially towards finding the most suitable location for dumping sites. There are cases of outbreak of diseases through water contamination, pollution and unpleasant odor due to the closeness of the disposal sites to residential. This and much more had affected the urban aesthetics that most local authorities have ignored the effects of municipal solid waste disposal. This study aims to verify the suitability of refuse dump site locations and to provide solution to where the new locations of the 10 dump sites will be located. Ten existing refuse dump site locations are considered by using suitability criteria such as roads, rivers, vegetation and residential areas. Various analyses are performed such as the kernel density, Euclidean distance and buffer analysis using spatial analyst in ArcGIS 10.0. The result from GIS analysis had shown that all the present existing ten refuse dump

Distribution of some heavy metals in the soil-clay-silt particle fractions of refuse dumpsites in Enugu State

The indiscriminate use of open land as dumpsites in Nigeria without appropriate measures to prevent environmental hazards has resulted in the contamination of soil and the exposure of human populations to environmental and health hazards. Soil is a part of the environment that receives pollutant from all types of human activities. Heavy metals originating from various organic waste sources and industrial activities accumulate in the soil and their accumulations depend on the amount and types of waste applied and also on the soil properties as soils differ in their ability to retain nutrient elements. This research was carried out to investigate distribution of some heavy metals in the soil-clay-silt particle fractions of refuse dumpsites in Enugu state. Soil samples were collected from the vicinity of the dumpsites from two locations – Ugwuaji (along Enugu-Port Harcourt Express Way) and Nsukka central town, at predetermined depth intervals of 0-20cm, 20-40cm and 40-60cm. The result of samples analysed showed that heavy metal concentration at both locations was far below the critical limits. The clay fraction retained more heavy metals (Zn, B, Cd and Mn) and prevented them from leaching into the ground water especially in 0-20cm and 20-40cm depth than the silt fraction. This implies that dumpsites should be sited in soils that are high in clay content than in silt content to prevent ground water pollutions by heavy metal through leaching.Key words: distribution, heavy metals, clay-silt fraction, dumpsites.

Comparative study of Heavy Metals Distribution in a Mechanic Workshop and a Refuse Dumpsite in Oluku and Otofure Benin City, Edo State, Southwestern Nigeria.

A comparative study of heavy metals; Lead, Chromium, Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium and Mercury distribution was carried out in Oluku and Otofure both in Metropolitan Benin City, Edo State Nigeria with the view to determine the level of concentration and contribution of each site investigated. Thirty eight (38) soil samples were collected from and around mechanic workshop in Oluku and refuse dumpsite in Otofure at depths of 0 - 0.15m to 0.15 - 0.30m. They were carefully labelled in polythene bags and then taken to the laboratory for digestion and analysis using Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS). The results obtained were subjected to statistical treatment at P &lt; 0.05 at 95% confidence level; the ultimate results were presented in mean ± SD. A correlation coefficient range (r) of 0.63- 0.94 at P &lt; 0.001 two tailed was obtained suggesting a high relationship between the elements in the soil. By comparison, the results obtained show that mechanic workshop contributes more of the heavy metals assessed in the environment except for Cadmium whose concentration was found to be slightly higher in the refuse dumpsiteKey word: Comparative, Heavy Metals, Mechanic, Workshop, Refuse, Dumpsite

Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Inorganic Chemical Contaminants at Refuse Dumpsites in Awka, South Eastern Nigeria: A Public Health Implication

Aim: Istodetermine the levels some PAHs and inorganic contaminants in refuse dump soil samples within residential areas in Awka in Anambra State, Nigeria. Study Design: Ten soil samples (five study samples and five control samples) taken from five major refuse dumpsites in Awka, South Eastern Nigeria were analyzed for the presence of 16 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (organic contaminant) and inorganic contaminants using their respective standard m ethods.

Evaluation of Radiation Emmission from Refuse Dump Sites in Owerri, Nigeria

The natural radioactivity concentrations from 40 different locations of waste dump sites in Owerri, Imo state Nigeria, has been measured using a gamma – ray spectrometer. The results indicate that the ranges of activity concentrations of K, Ra and Th in the samples were ˂17.2 – 686.17 BqKg , ˂ 4.2 – 103.51 BqKg and ˂ 5.1 – 65.28 BqKg respectively. The highest outdoor effective dose obtained was 65.28 μSv.y which is less than the world average outdoor value of 70 μSv.y given by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation ( UNSCEAR )

Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Methods for Environmental Assessment of Municipal Dumpsite System

Leachate originating from open refuse dumpsite systems can be delineated through an integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. This study was designed to examine extent of leachate and pollution from one of the numerous open refuse dumpsites in Lagos metropolis. Qualitative assessment was determined using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), vertical electrical sounding (VES) and induced polarization geophysical methods. Both ERT and VES methods revealed persistent low resistivity (1 - 20 Ωm) of leachate to the depth above 35 m. The two methods were projected to produce 3-D view of the site which shows a NW-SE flow pattern of the leachate and possibly, the groundwater. IP values observed over the polluted zone was -2.9 - 8 ms, indicating a sandy layer. Quantitative assessment was achieved by analysis of geochemical substances in the water samples taken from wells and boreholes in the precinct of the dumpsite. Here, we examine the macroelements, salts (sulphates, nitrates and chlorides), heavy metals, radioactive metals contents and physical parameters of the water samples. The analyses reveal the presence of these substances in the water and their strong correlations justified the provenance as the same. As part of the quantitative evaluation, physical parameters (pH, TDS, DO, salinity, total hardness, turbidity, electrical conductivity EC and temperature) of the water samples were also determined. The samples pH plotted in the acidic domain unsuitable for human consumption. Leachate flow direction was generated from the decreasing concentration of measured parameters (geochemical elements and physicals properties) in NW-SE direction which agrees with similar flow pattern deduced from ERT results.

Assessment of heavy metals bioaccumulation by Eleusine indica from refuse dumpsites in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

The levels of bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Mn and Cu) in Eleusine indica and waste soil samples from ten refuse dumpsites located in Kaduna Metropolis was assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM) and available phosphorus (AP) were also determined. The results of analysis of the waste soils from the refuse dumpsites indicated that levels of the metals were in the range of; 131.93 to 205.18 mgkg-1 (Pb), 27.13 to 94.198 mgkg-1 (Cr), 259.30 to 354.708 mgkg-1 (Zn), 27.23 to 45.498 mgkg-1 (Cd), 151.68 to 227.568 mgkg-1 (Mn) and 42.09 to 132.11 mg kg-1 (Cu). The concentration recorded for E. indica ranged widely from 116.40 to 239.74, 6.97 to 24.84, 86.94 to 261.40, 5.10 to13.24, 90.22 to 318.51 and 41.11 to 103.84 mgkg-1for Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Mn and Cu respectively. The results of soils pH, EC, OM and AP were found to be 7.85 to 8.60 and 0.54 to 3.22 S cm-1, 2.77 to 6.32% and 42.11 to 175.55 mgkg-1 respectively. The bioaccumulation factors (BCF) of these metals were less than unity for all the metals except for Pb. The trend in bioaccumulation for metals in E. indica followed the sequence: Zn>Cu>Pb>Mn>Cd>Cr. Though the results indicated low bioaccumulation of metals by E. indica, however, further dumping of toxic waste could lead to toxicity to man through the food chain. Key words: Waste soils, Refuse dump, Metals, Kaduna.

An Assessment of Some Environmental Effects of Squatter Settlement in Dutse Alhaji, Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Environment and human activities are omen to development. Bwari Area Council in FCT is one of the areas that require such development drive. The study is required to facilitate this need. This research effort is to examine the environmental effect of squatter settlement in Dutse Alhaji, Bwari Area Council. In view of the above, necessary procedures were selected to accomplish this. Approach includes the development of database and choice of appropriate data sources (primary and secondary data sources). From the methodology, there were questionnaire administration, direct interview of respondents, collection and updating of the base maps, and the use of necessary field instrument for the study. The data gathered were analysed using the descriptive method. These entail the application rank scores to percentage distribution of variables, revealing quality of basic characteristics of the squatter settlement. The end result has revealed a number of environmental problems due to the existence of these settlements (Dutse Alhaji). These problems are soil erosion, gully erosion, poor drainage system, forestation, traffic congestion, noise pollution, illegal refuse dump sites, slum situations, etc. Appropriate recommendations in form of short time and long time solution were suggested to conclude the research work. Key words :Squatter Settlement; Environmental problems; Environmental Effects