Effect of Solid Waste Disposal on Chemical Quality of Groundwater in Ife North Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria: A GIS-Based Assessment

Abstract

Indiscriminate waste disposal is a major environmental challenge in developing countries, especially as the wastes often end up downstream. The present study investigated the vulnerability of selected groundwater sources in semi-rural communities in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria, to contamination by adjacent waste dumpsites. The specific objective was to assess the chemical quality of the groundwater in the area. Data used were results of the laboratory investigation of selected water samples from sampled groundwater sources and information about the uses of the groundwater by the residents. The parameters pH, conductivity, and TDS were assessed in situ and chemical parameters such as Lead, Iron, Copper and Sulphate were assessed in the laboratory. Results showed that the groundwater sources close to the dumpsites were more contaminated than the sources farther from the dumpsites. At distances less than 50m to the dumpsites, the concentration of the chemical metals did not meet the WHO standard, however, it decreased with distance from the dumpsite. For instance, although sulphate concentration was below the recommended maximum, sulphate concentration decreased with distance from the dumpsite. The study concluded that groundwater sources around dumpsites were contaminated and unfit for potable use in the area.