Environmental Impact of Leachate Pollution on Groundwater Sources in Ikere Metropolis, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses of water samples from three wells located near landfill site at Ayetoro quarters, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria was carried out to ascertain the magnitude of dumpsite pollution on groundwater quality in the area. Borehole locations were at radial distances of 20m, 50m, and 90m respectively away from the landfill site. The physicochemical parameters were determined using conventional equipment and standard laboratory procedures of APHA (1998). The parameters determined included Temperature (28.2 ⁰C) pH (7.2), Conductivity (166.6µ/Sm) Dissolved Oxygen (0.62mg/L) Total dissolved solids (43.42mg/L) Total suspended solids (155.44mg/L) Total hardness (47.42 mg/L). Total suspended solid (155.44mg/L) Nitrate (0.62mg/L) Nitrite (0.46mg / L) Chloride (19.44mg/ L) Magnesium (36.65mg/L) Calcium (10.77mg/L) Phosphate (357.73mg/L) Sulphate (272.73mg / L) and the metals, Chromium and Copper were not detected in all the samples analyzed. Most of these parameters indicate traceable pollution but were below the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigeria Standard for Drinking Water quality (NSDWQ) limits for consumption. Bacteriological examination revealed severe pollution in all the wells. Statistical analyses also indicated significant differences among all the parameters tested at 95% level of probability. Public enlightenment on waste sorting, reuse and recycling of wastes and proper waste disposal must be enhanced in this environment in order to safeguard public health.