Solid Waste Dumpsite Research Articles

Beneath the surface: assessing pollution levels near major solid waste dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria.

Effective solid waste management is a critical environmental challenge, particularly in rapidly growing Global South countries like Nigeria. This issue is exacerbated by burgeoning populations, lax waste regulations, and the widespread practice of open dumping. The deterioration of soil quality and alteration of water quality are major consequences of open waste dumping, posing significant environmental and public health risks. This study aims to assess the environmental risk and pollution status of soil and water resources near major dumpsites in Lagos. It aims to offer insights that can inform targeted interventions and policy measures not only in Lagos but also in comparable urban settings worldwide. Results indicated that important soil parameters, including TN (11.89-13.83mg/kg), pH (6.45-7.35), sulfate (36.71-39.49mg/kg), phosphate (9.31-14.39mg/kg), and electrical conductivity (342-566 µS/cm), were significantly affected by the dumpsites. Additionally, concentrations of heavy metals varied, with some exceeding permissible limits set by international standards, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by improper waste disposal in urban settings like Lagos. The analyzed parameters for water were mostly within acceptable limits, indicating a lesser impact of the waste dump on water resources. Water samples from boreholes and hand-dug wells near three dumpsites showed that pH, TDS, and heavy metal concentrations were mostly within WHO limits, with borehole water deemed safe for drinking and hand-dug wells suitable for cleaning. To alleviate the environmental impacts of open dumpsites, it is recommended to implement effective waste segregation, recycling programs, controlled landfilling, and investment in waste treatment technologies, along with regular water quality monitoring to prevent further pollution and protect public health. While these measures offer opportunities, they also face significant challenges due to financial and land constraints. Therefore, strong public awareness, infrastructure investment, and government commitment are essential, along with coordinated efforts among the government, private sector, and communities.

Assessment of the Quality of Borehole Water Collected Around Unlined Solid Waste Dumpsites within Awka Metropolis

Groundwater is an important natural resource that is essential to man and other living things. However, it can become polluted resulting from natural and anthropogenic conditions. The quality of selected groundwater samples collected from boreholes around abandoned and active dumpsites in Awka metropolis, Nigeria between January and March 2023, was assessed using water quality index (WQI) method. The samples were analyzed for their physico-chemical properties and some selected heavy metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results of the physico-chemical analysis showed that the mean pH ranged from 5.75 – 6.71 in January as compared to 5.92 – 6.98 in February and 5.94 – 6.84 in March indicating slight acidity. Calcium and magnesium content ranged from 8 – 20mg/l of Ca2+ and 96 – 314 mg/l of Mg2+ ion. The concentration of heavy metals in the samples were all seen to be within the standard limits for potable water (Fe (0.057 – 2.384 ppm), Cu(0.00 – 0.185 ppm) except for mercury, lead and cadmium(Hg (0.00 – 0.248 ppm), Pb (0.00 – 0.051 ppm), Cd (0.006 – 0.39 ppm) for the month of February whereas heavy metal concentration for the month of March ranged from Fe (1.432 – 2.908 ppm), Cu (0.00 – 0.008 ppm), Hg (0.00 – 0.016 ppm), Pb (0.00 – 0.003 ppm), Cd (0.00 – 0.01ppm). Pollution Index of the sampled borehole water from the different locations shows that some were potable and can be consumed without treatment. The study shows that solid wastes contribute to the level of contamination caused by Heavy metals and some physico-chemical parameters in groundwater matrix.

Soil degradation around Orji municipal solid waste dump site: a spatial assessment.

The present study assessed the impact of municipal solid waste dump on the degradation of soil around Orji dump site. A total of 15 soil samples were collected for this study. Twelve soil samples were collected around the dump site at 0m, 10m, and 20m distance and three from Imo State University (IMSU) research farm as control. The samples were collected from the east, west, north, and south of the dump site. The samples were subjected to laboratory analyses. The mean results obtained indicate that the values of the dump site soil parameters analyzed ranged from 86.67 to 89.00% (sand), 4.33 to 5.67% (silt), 7.00 to 7.67% (clay), 6.80 to 7.50 (pH), 4.33 to 7.00 dS m-1 electric conductivity (EC), 0.0028 to 0.0045mgkg-1 (salinity), 2.36 to 3.76% soil organic matter (SOM), 24.13 to 38.93 cmolc kg-1 cation exchange capacity (CEC), 4.50 to 9.57 cmolc kg-1 calcium (Ca), and 1.0 to 2.25 cmolc kg-1 magnesium (Mg). At the control, mean values were 81.24% (sand), 6.39% (silt), 12.45% (clay), 5.69 (pH), 0.47 dS m-1 (EC), 0.0005mgkg-1 (salinity), 1.99% (SOM), 5.08 cmolc kg-1 (CEC), 2.17 cmolc kg-1 (Ca), and 1.67 cmolc kg-1 (Mg). These values showed substantial enrichment. Correlations indicate that EC, salinity, and CEC majorly determined the availability of most of the parameters analyzed. Soil degradation index (SDI) was used to determine degradation around the dump site. It ranged from 2.546.61% (0m) to 1573.50% (10m) and 1.603.73% (20m). Thus, distance affected the rate of soil degradation in all directions away from the dump site.

Exposure Levels, Health Risks, Spatially Distribution, Multivariate Statistics and Positive Matrix Factorization Model of Heavy Metals from Wild solid Waste Dumpsites

Exposure Levels, Health Risks, Spatially Distribution, Multivariate Statistics and Positive Matrix Factorization Model of Heavy Metals from Wild solid Waste Dumpsites

An in-depth Analysis of Soil Quality and Heavy Metal Contamination in the vicinity of the Visakhapatnam Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsite

The study conducts a comprehensive analysis of soil quality and heavy metal contamination in the vicinity of the Visakhapatnam Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsite, with a focus on the Gajuwaka municipality. The research addresses the escalating global concerns arising from improper waste disposal practices and their environmental repercussions. The Gajuwaka dumpsite, receiving diverse waste types, poses significant threats due to the leaching of heavy metals into the soil, impacting environmental components and human health. The study employs a robust experimental methodology involving soil sampling, metal extraction and Atomic absorption spectroscopy for elemental analysis. Waste characterization reveals the predominant presence of organic fractions and inert materials in the dumpsite. Seasonal physicochemical analysis of soil samples indicates variations in pH, moisture content, soil texture, organic matter and nutrient availability. Metal content generally decreases during the post-monsoon period. Phytotoxicity analysis of selected plant species demonstrates their capacity to accumulate heavy metals, particularly lead. The study emphasizes the urgent need for effective waste management practices, continuous soil monitoring and community engagement to mitigate environmental and health risks associated with waste dumping sites. The findings underscore the critical importance of sustainable waste management and environmental health. The study contributes valuable insights into the complex challenges posed by improper waste disposal practices and provides a foundation for the development of comprehensive strategies aimed at addressing environmental concerns.

The Result of Electrical Resistivity Investigation of Solid Waste Landfill Conducted at Nsukka Municipality Using Electrical Resistivity Measurments

Solid waste landfill management has been a significant issue for Nigerian urban areas and other developing countries across the globe.Similar to most other cities, Nsukka also generates waste on a daily basis, much of which is dumped in poorly designed and positioned dumping sites. The majority of the disposal sites are found on roadsides, at marketplaces, on farms, and in residential neighborhoods, among other places. The road infrastructure and groundwater are under danger, and the beauty of the impacted communities are not spared. Undoubtedly, the unchecked citation of boreholes as the source of potable water in the majority of our rural and urban communities—given that the government doesn't seem to be providing water to the people—has become a significant challenge. An investigation using electrical resistivity method was conducted around a solid waste dumpsite at Nsukka in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State, Nigeria with an aim to investigate the level of groundwater contamination and the objectives to determine the subsurface geoelectric layers, depth to water table, lithology delineation and map out the contamination zones. The scope of this study provides an overview of some of the approaches used to assess the aquifer vulnerability and aquifer potential using Vertical Electrical Sounding (Schlumberger array) and 2D resistivity imaging (Wenner array) in different locations around Nsukka municipality dumpsite. Both methods were used for this study in order to provide a geophysical database for exploration of the study area’s groundwater resources and also they are less expensive and less time consuming. VES has proved to be effective in solving groundwater problems in most places in Nigeria (Ezeh and Ugwu, 2010; Ugwu and Ezeh, 2012; Nzemeka et al. [1,2]. Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2D resistivity imaging were carried out with a digital read out resistivity meter (ABEM SAS 1000) to acquire data in the area and were interpreted using the Schlumberger automatic INTERPEX analysis software and the RES2DINV software respectively, which generates model curves using initial layer parameters and display the variations of electrical resistivities respectively. A total of eight (8) sounding and six (6) 2D resistivity imagings were carried out in the area. A contaminant leachate plume was delineated in 2D resistivity sections as low resistivity zones while the VES shows the depth of aquifer. In 2D pseudosections where bluish colours with low resistivities (less than 20.80\(\Omega\)m) with the depth ranging from 1.28m to 17.1m in the Line 1 and 2 are seen as contaminated zones. The rest of the lines are not contaminated because of their high resistivities (greater than 20.80\(\Omega\)m). The result of the electrical resistivity survey also showed 4 - 5 layers geo-electric sections and an AA and AK type sounding curves. The VES result shows that VES 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B which are carried out on line 1 & 2 of the wenner lines showed signs of contamination with low resistivity values less than 20.80\(\Omega\)m complementing the wenner results. The contamination has not yet got to where the aquifer is located on the lines. Since the depth to the aquifer ranges from 30.26m to 155.43m while maximum depth of contamination is 17.1m. It is believed that the leachate has not percolated down to the aquiferous zones as such aquifers are presumed to be free. As such, it is recommended that boreholes around the study area should not be less than 30m deep to avoid exploiting polluted water.

Bacteriological quality of drinking water from wells located near municipal solid waste dumps and liquid waste sites in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the contamination level, seasonal distribution and the persistence of Salmonella sp, Vibrio cholera, and E. coli in well waters located near municipal solid and liquid waste dumpsites in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 186 samples: well water samples (96), soils from waste dump sites (72) and waste water (18), were collected for this study. Samples were plated using freshly prepared molten plate count, Eosine methylene blue agars, poured and swirled properly for a uniform mixture. The presence of E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio sp were determined for the two seasons (dry and wet). The bacteria count revealed a significant difference between well waters, soil samples, liquid waste and the control (total plate count - p < 0.005; 0.0001, total coliform count - p < 0.005; 0.0021). All the sampled well water had coliform counts higher than the recommended standard. The counts were higher in the wet season than the dry season. Out of a total of 125 suspected isolates tested, 70 (56%) were positive for Vibrio cholerae, out of this, 38 (54.3%), 28 (40%) and four (5.7%) isolates were from well water, solid waste dumps and liquid waste respectively. Out of the 177 suspected E. coli isolates from well water, solid waste dumps and liquid waste tested, 162 (91.5%) were positive with 82 (50.6%) of the positive E. coli further confirmed to be E. coli 0157:H7. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) statistical difference between the wet and the dry seasons for all the water samples studied and between control and the other well water samples. Adequate treatments of well water, as well as public health education are highly recommended.

Hydraulic barrier properties of soil beneath Egbedi active municipal solid waste dumpsite

This study researches the potential of soil underlying an active municipal solid waste dumpsite as compacted clay liner in municipal solid waste repository structure. Identification of soil samples and their chemical constituents was conducted. Ex-situ tests were conducted in the laboratory to obtain three important hydraulic barrier parameters: coefficient of hydraulic permeability (k), volumetric shrinkage strain (VSS) and shear strength (UCS) of the natural soil samples employing three compaction techniques namely; British Standard Light (BSL), West African Standard (WAS) and British Standard Heavy (BSH). Soil specimens were also prepared with varying moulding moisture contents −2%, +2 and + 4 % of optimum moisture content (OMC). The microstructure of the natural specimen was investigated via scanning electron microscopy. The natural samples were identified as; A-2-7(0), A-2-7(2) and A-7-5(5) for sample A, B and C respectively according to AASHTO classification while all samples are classified as SC (Clayey Sand) according to USCS classification. The moulding moisture content that satisfy the k and VSS conditions of k ≤ 1.0 × 10−7 cm/s and VSS ≤ 4 % falls between 9.63 – 17.68 % and 9.63–12.75 % respectively, but the tested specimens fall short of strength condition. This study revealed that the natural soil samples fail to fulfil the design parameter requirements for strength in its application as liner/cover in the active waste dumpsite, therefore further investigation to ameliorate the strength property of the soil samples using additives or microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) technique is recommended.

Seasonal Survey of Bacterial Species and their Bioremediation Potentials in Leachates from a Nigerian Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsite

Myriads of microorganisms present in dumpsite leachates produce varieties of extracellular enzymes that can degrade toxic compounds to innocuous products. The present study involved a seasonal survey of bacterial species and their bioremediation potentials in leachate from the Ikueniro open solid waste dumpsite situated in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Bacterial isolation and enumeration of the leachate samples was carried out using pour plate technique. Phenotypic techniques and 16S rRNA gene analysis identified the bacterial isolates. The bacterial mastermix for bioremediation of the leachate consisted of a consortium of bacterial strains isolated from leachate discharging from the Ikhueniro dumpsite. The bioremediation efficiency of the leachate was deduced by measurement of heavy metals and other chemical analytes using standard methods prescribed by the American Public Health Association. The bacterial species isolated from Ikueniro dumpsite such as Bacillus licheniformis strain EGBON &amp; OKORIE 103 and Klebsiella aerogenes strain EGBON &amp; OKORIE 108 were deposited in the United States NCBI GenBank. A consortium of these bacterial strains served as inocula for the bioremediation setup. A huge removal of ammonia from the leachate was observed during the 28-day bioremediation experiment, amounting to a mean bioremediation efficiency of 80.65%. The removal of the heavy metals from the raw leachate by the bacterial mastermix in increasing order was as follows: nickel&lt;copper&lt;zinc&lt;lead&lt;iron&lt;cadmium&lt;arsenic&lt;mercury. Bioremediation of the leachate using indigenous bacteria promises to be an effective tool for management of toxicants from leachates of open solid waste dumpsites.

Application of optical images and analytical hierarchy process model for solid waste dumping site analysis in Kombolcha town, Northeastern, Ethiopia

Improper open dumping of solid wastes caused different serious problems in fast-growing towns in Ethiopia like Kombolcha town. This unsuitable solid waste dumping management brings health challenges by spreading diseases, contaminating water, polluting air, and spreading of different disease-causing insects such as mosquitoes. Therefore, selecting suitable solid waste dumping site analysis (SWDSA) is very essential to minimize these negative effects related to improper solid waste dumping in such towns. The primary goal of this study is to use optical images and the AHP model to find appropriate solid waste dumping sites in Kombolcha Town. The nine governing factors such as soil texture, geology, faults, groundwater well points (GWWPs, rivers, roads, built-up, Land use land cover (LULC) and slopes, were considered to achieve the aim of this study. These factors were extracted and delineated from the various optical data such as Landsat 8 images, digital elevation model, Google Earth images, geological map, soil map, and also field survey. The factor classes and factors were ranked and weighted utilizing a comparison matrix according to importance and finally by applying the AHP spatial analysis extension tool in Arc GIS software the SWDSA map of the study area was generated. Therefore, as a result of this study about 19.4 km2 (22.8 %), 22.8 km2 (26.8 %), 20.5 km2 (24.1 %), 16.1 km2 (18.9 %), and 6.2 km2 (7.3 %) of the study area falls in not suitable, less suitable, moderately suitable, suitable and highly suitable ranges respectively. Based on the result of this further analysis, D is the 1st suitable site with a score is 83.6 %, site B is the 2nd suitable site is a score is 83.2 %, site C is the 3rd suitable site with a score of 65.1 % and site A is the last suitable site and scored 60.4 %. Therefore, this study strongly recommends that the waste management municipal office of Kombolcha town and other concerned government and non-government bodies apply and consider these identified the best suitable solid waste dumping sites.

Bacterial Isolates of Soils of Different Waste Types in Yenagoa Central Solid Waste Dumpsite, Nigeria

Bacterial Isolates of Soils of Different Waste Types in Yenagoa Central Solid Waste Dumpsite, Nigeria

Assessing the physical and geotechnical properties of subsoils within an active municipal solid waste dumpsite for secured future urban growth

Assessing the physical and geotechnical properties of subsoils within an active municipal solid waste dumpsite for secured future urban growth

Seasonal Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameters, Heavy Metals Levels and Pollution Status in Leachate from Ikhueniro Open Solid Waste Dumpsite located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Seasonal Evaluation of Physicochemical Parameters, Heavy Metals Levels and Pollution Status in Leachate from Ikhueniro Open Solid Waste Dumpsite located in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Appropriate solid waste dumping site selection for Patna City by using GIS-TOPSIS method

Appropriate solid waste dumping site selection for Patna City by using GIS-TOPSIS method

Assessing the Ecological Risks and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metal Contamination at Solid Waste Dumpsites

Assessing the Ecological Risks and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metal Contamination at Solid Waste Dumpsites

Modeling risk assessment of soil heavy metal pollution using partial least squares and fuzzy logic: A case study of a gully type coal-based solid waste dumpsite

Continuous release and migration of heavy metals from coal-based solid waste (CSW) dumpsites often results in significant encroachment on ecological lands and pollution of natural environments. As a result, there is an urgent need for long-term and rapid monitoring, analysis, and assessment to control environmental risks associated with large CSW dumpsites. We constructed a new composite model (PLS-FL) that uses partial least squares regression (PLSR) and fuzzy logic inference (FLI) to accurately predict heavy metal concentrations in soils and assess pollution risk levels. The potential application of the PLS-FL was tested through a gully type CSW case study. We compared 20 modeling strategies using the PLS-FL: five types heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Pb, Cr and As) * four spectral transformation methods (first derivative (FD), second derivative (SD), reverse logarithm (RL), and continuum removal (CR)) * one variable selection method (competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS)). The results showed that the combination of derivative transformation and CARS was recommended for estimation, with R2C > 0.80 and R2P > 0.50. When comparing the PLSR model with four traditional machine learning methods (Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests (RF), Extreme Learning Machines (ELM), and KNN), the PLSR model demonstrated the highest average prediction accuracy. Additionally, the FLI process no longer relies on human perception and expert opinion, enhancing the model's objectivity and reliability. The evaluation results revealed that the heavy metal contamination areas of the CSW dumpsite are concentrated at the bottom of the gully, with more severe contamination in the north. Furthermore, a high-risk zone exists in the interim storage area for CSW to the east of the dump. These findings align with the initial detections at the sampling sites and highlight the need for targeted monitoring and control in these areas. The application of the model will empower regulators to quickly assess the overall situation of large-scale heavy metal pollution and provide scientific program and data support for continuous large-scale pollution risk monitoring and sustainable risk management.

Assessment of Ambient Water Quality Deterioration in Proximity to Municipal Solid Waste Dumpsites in Urban Areas of Chattogram, Bangladesh

This study aims to assess the impact of waste dumping on groundwater quality within the Chattogram City Corporation area. Monitoring eight groundwater sampling points over four years, various physical and chemical parameters were analyzed, utilizing the APHA method. Parameters assessed include pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), Turbidity, Total Hardness, Ca-Hardness, Alkalinity, TSS, Chloride, Phosphate, Sulphate, Nitrite, Nitrate, Fluoride, Iron, Arsenic, Zinc, Copper, and Chromium. The findings were compared to the Department of Environment's (DoE) recommended values, as well as the Bangladesh standard and World Health Organization (WHO) values. During sample collection, deep tube wells near the dumping site points were prioritized. According to the investigation CNB, Ananda Bazar Halishahar and Arefin Nagar, deep pump water carries too many irons in their groundwater. Iron levels exceed both WHO and Bangladesh standards across all samples. Specifically, Arefin Nagar and Ananda Bazar Halishahar area sampling points S6, S7, and S8 surpass standards in TDS, Total Hardness, Turbidity, TSS, Chloride, and Iron. Water Quality Index (WQI) calculations suggest unsuitability for drinking purposes in all sampled water, with S5 and S8 demonstrating particularly high values, indicating their unsuitability for human consumption. Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) calculations reveal a decrease at CNB sampling points S1 and S2, where waste dumping ceased in 2017. However, HPI values at other points show an increasing trend, indicating the leaching of heavy metals from solid waste into groundwater. S5 and S8 exhibit notably high HPI values (Average 464.99 and 319.59), suggesting an accumulation of heavy metals in the groundwater. Carcinogenic Risk Analysis of Arsenic highlights the failure of most sampled water to meet Carcinogenic Risk (CR) standards, signalling a potential cancer risk with prolonged use of this water.

Systematic Assessment of Bottomland Resources Influenced by Waste Disposal

In Ile-Oluji, Nigeria, issues with waste disposal brought on by population growth have resulted in contamination of the bottomland resources that sustain humankind. Random soil samples were taken from a solid dumpsite and its adjacent closed bottomland at depths of 0–15, 15–30, and 30–75 cm and analyzed in the laboratory. Soil texture, soil moisture content (MC), porosity, bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) were measured. Also examined was the concentration of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn) in the samples. Soil moisture content (MC), porosity, bulk density, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 8.52 to 16.08%, 30.14 to 51.19%, 1.16 to 1.46 g/cm3, 6.98 to 7.58, and 299.82 to 432.61 μS/cm, respectively. The concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals (OC, K, Ca, Mg, and Na) and (Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Cr, and Mn) in the soil samples collected from the solid waste dumpsite and bottomland ranged respectively from 2.13–3.10%,, 3.98–6.57, 5.08–8.11, 5.41–7.11, and 0.98–2.61 Cmol/kg, and 6.83– 29.04, 0.00–0.35, 0.41–3.92, 0.89–3.46, 0.00–0.63, and 13.74–74.38 mg/kg. The highest concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals were found in the soil sample collected from the solid waste dumpsite between 0 and 15 cm of soil depth, and it was closely followed by the sample obtained from the bottomland at the same soil depth compared to other locations. The concentration of heavy metals did not exceed the limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), but persistent dumping of waste in the area may eventually increase the concentration of heavy metals beyond the acceptable limit. There is a need for the locals to be aware that the growing of crops on dumpsites and closed adjacent bottomland due to its fertility status could result in the uptake of heavy metals and eventually end up in human or animal bodies. A measure to avoid dumping waste close to the bottomland should be put in place by ensuring the immediate construction of a standard environmental sanitary dumpsite in combination with the waste recycling strategy in the study area.

Geoenvironmental Assessment of the Impacts of Ewu-Elepe Dumpsite on Soil and Groundwater Resources at Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria

The environmental status of the municipal solid waste dumpsite at Ewu-Elepe, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State was investigated. A total of seventeen (17) samples consisting of twelve (12) soils, three (3) groundwater and two (2) leachate samples were collected and analyzed for different parameters using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results revealed that in the leachate samples, all the heavy metals, Cl- , COD, salinity, and conductivity contents showed significant increase. The physicochemical results for the groundwater samples agreed with the international standards for drinking water, except for high cadmium content (0.009mg/l) recorded in the groundwater sample W1 which exceeded the NSDWQ and WHO permissible limits of 0.003 and 0.005mg/l respectively for drinking water, and high manganese content (0.09mg/l) recorded also in W1. The results of soil samples from the dumpsite showed that the concentration of all the heavy metals, Zn (23.5mg/kg), Cu (10.8mg/kg), Cr (14.2mg/kg), Ni (3.47mg/kg) and Pb (19.0mg/kg) fall below the Sediment Quality Criteria ISQG-Low level and the Lowest Effect Range of the New York Sediment Criteria except for Cd (16.60mg/kg) which is even higher than the High Effect Range of both the New York sediment Criteria and the Sediment Quality Criteria that the soil within the dumpsite have been moderately impacted is further demonstrated by the application of environmentric parameters treatment such as Contamination Factor (CF), Geo-accumulation Index, Enrichment Factor (EF) and Ecological Risk Factor Analyses. The results of the sediment quality assessment are good evidence to confirm that the soil of the dumpsite is highly polluted with cadmium (Cd), and moderately contaminated with lead (Pb). This study reveals that the solid waste dumpsite is affecting the natural quality of the ambient environment. Therefore, indiscriminate dumping of solid waste at the dumpsite should be prohibited.

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.