ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY AROUND OPEN WASTE DUMP SITES IN IFEJIKA AND OBOSI IN ANAMBRA STATE

By Angela Akanwa.O Department of Environmental Management, Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. ABSTRACT The groundwater quality around open waste dump sites in Onitsha South and Idemili North Local Government Areas in Anambra State, Nigeria was investigated using experimental method. Two dump sites were studied with a total of four leachate samples collected from each dump site. Similarly, twelve groundwater samples were collected from the vicinities of the dump sites during the rainy season. The physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters of the leachate and groundwater samples were analyzed using experimental method. The survey method was used to sample the opinions of the people on the effect of the waste dumps on the groundwater. The heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The student t-test was used to analyze the data generated. The physical, chemical and bacteriological content of the leachates from both dump sites showed deviations from the acceptable standard in treated waste water discharge in Nigeria. The chloride, sulphate, nitrite, iron, total coliform and E. coli in both areas also showed deviations above the acceptable standard in drinking water quality in Nigeria. The high level of coliform and E. coli showed faecal contamination and human pathogenic bacteria in the groundwater of the area. The heavy metals, both in the leachate and groundwater samples, were within the acceptable standard and hence, did not reveal any significant effect. The study recommended that the groundwater in the area be treated before use, and that the two waste dump sites be either closed down or managed in an environment- friendly way.

BACKGROUND OF THE PAPER

Nigeria is one of the developing countries suffering from effects of groundwater pollution. It was reported that the quality of water supplied by the public water agencies is of great concern in Nigeria1. Only about 50 percent of urban populations in Nigeria have access to reliable water supply of an acceptable quality and that overall effective urban coverage may be as low as 30 percent2. Again, it was reported that in Nigeria, very few people in small towns have access to a safe water supply3. Only 5 percent gets water from protected groundwater sources through boreholes; and less than 0.5 percent enjoys pipeborne water. This is partly due to the fact that financing operation and maintenance suffer from low water tariff and collection rates. This is why, about 80 percent of all government owned water systems in small towns are non- operational2. Similarly, it was also reported that in most low-income areas of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria, pipe borne water supply is non-existent4. A more permanent source of water supply is the open well dug by individual households that are usually not well protected. Adequate supply of good quantity of drinking water is a basic need for all human beings on the earth. Some agencies argued that it is not sufficient merely to have access to water in adequate quantities; the water also needs to be of adequate quality to maintain good health5, 6. Such water must be free from harmful biological and chemical contamination. In recent years, the widespread reports of pollutants in groundwater have increased public concern about the quality of groundwater. The importance of potable water, both for domestic and industrial uses, has created an increasing concern for water quality analysis to ascertain quality7, 8.

The study was borne out of the indiscriminate and unregulated manner in which open waste dumping is practiced in these areas. The mountain heaps of waste greatly reduces the aesthetic value of the area; it is also responsible for other resultant environmental effects. The unprotected and unsanitary open dumps facilitate the mixture of precipitation with degradable organic substances bringing about bacteriological decomposition of wastes. Hence, leachate (garbage juice) which contains large amount of hazardous and deleterious materials is released into the nearby groundwater. These leachates consist largely of suspended solids, microorganisms and chemicals that pollute shallow wells and boreholes9, 10. The leachate mixes with rain water that normally percolates through the waste dumps. This enhances bacteriological activities in the dump. Its composition is a function of the nature and the age of the dump, the type of wastes, the method of disposal, the geological nature of the site and the climate of the area. There is no doubt, these leachates infiltrate through the porous rocks to pollute the groundwater resources of the area. This is an obvious possibility considering the geology of the underlying formation of the area farvours pollutant seepage. Groundwater provides a more dependable source of general water supply, for Onitsha inhabitants for various purposes like drinking, industrial and domestic uses. Obviously, it is evident that the solid waste management system practiced in the area is a threat to the groundwater quality of the area. These seriously suggest that, the improper location of open dump sites, at the vicinity of human habitation, and resultant leachate pollution of groundwater could pollute the quality of their groundwater sources. This paper therefore aims at assessing groundwater quality around the Ifejika and Obosi open waste dumps at Anambra State and, hence compare with the standard acceptable quality in Nigeria.

STUDY AREA
The two open dumpsites investigated are Ifejika and Obosi located at Onitsha South Local Government Area and Idemili North Local Government Area respectively. The Ifejika dumpsite is about six hectares in extent and is located beside Nwangene River draining into the River Niger. It is located within latitudes 06 08 41.2 and longitudes 006 46 29.8 with an elevation of 29m. The groundwater depth of the area is 20m. It is surrounded by residential buildings, warehouses for goods from Main Market. The Obosi dumpsite is located along the Onitsha-Owerri Express Road, opposite the Metallurgical Training Institute. It is about four hectares. It has a stretch of residential buildings. It is located between latitudes N 06 06 07 .8 and longitude E 006 47 59.2 with an elevation of 40m. The groundwater depth for the area is 40m. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD Four leachate samples were collected from each dump site from four different sides of the leachate ponds, making a total of eight leachate samples. Twelve groundwater samples were also collected around the vicinity of each dump site. The groundwater samples were also collected within the four sides of leachate ponds with an interval of 20m from each other. The samples were collected in clean 500ml screwed plastic bottles, with the use of HNO3 acid in dilution. They were stored in a temperature of between 4C and 5 C. The pH of the samples was taken in-situ, using pH paper. Moreover, all thother possible sources of pollution into the groundwater were kept constant. Temperature was recorded using Mercury in glass Thermometer and Electrical Conductivity was measured using the Hanna electrical conductivity meter. The argentometric, brucine colorimetric and turbidmetric methods were employed
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in testing chloride, nitrite and sulphates respectively. The total solids were measured using gravimetric method. Total hardness was measured using EDTA titrimetric methods. Total suspended solids were measured by calculating the difference between the total dissolved solids and total solids. The heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn and Cu) were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Model (AAS). The groundwater quality of the area was compared with the water quality standard by the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ, 2008). The leachate samples were compared with the acceptable standard for treated waste water discharge in Nigeria (NSWWD, 2008). A statistical test was also carried out using the one sample student t-2 test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 1 showed the results of the physic- chemical/ bacteriological analyses in Ifejika area. The pH values for all the four leachates fall between 5.8 and 6.4 respectively, showing close similarity of slight acidity. The total dissolved solids, E conductivity, chloride, total suspended solids, total solids, plate count, E.coli values all showed deviations and also exceeded the standard acceptable for treated waste water in Nigeria. The total hardness and heavy metals are within the standard acceptable for treated waste water discharge in Nigeria.

Table1: Physico-Chemical/Bacteriological Characteristics of Leachate Samples for Ifejika Dumpsite Parameters Ph colour turbidity chloride sulphate nitrite iron total dissolved solids total solids electrical conductivity total suspended solids plate count total coliform E.coli L1 6.4 152 1300 307.11 509.01 83.41 58 812.5 1115.3 6700 303.3 875 201 +ve L2 6.2 154 1400 381.52 681.61 101.44 74 875 1196.3 6300 321.2 760 216 +ve L3 5.8 148 1415 280.70 521.0 93.09 65 884.4 1206.8 6400 322.4 780 116 +ve L4 6.0 167 1425 351.07 722.81 116.83 36 890.6 1221.4 7100 330.8 607 180 +ve NSWWD (2008) 6.5-8.4 7.0 5-25 200 500 20 20 500 1000 1250 10.0 100/ml 3ml -ve

Again, Table 2 showed the results of physico-chemical/ bacteriological parameters of leachates from Obosi Dumpsite. The pH values fall between 8.4 and 8.8 showing that they are alkaline. Chloride, sulphate, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity, total solids, total coliform, plate count, E.coli, turbidity and nitrite contents of the leachates had very high concentrations above the standard acceptable for treated waste water discharge in Nigeria. The heavy metals are all within the acceptable standard of treated waste water discharge in Nigeria.

Table 2: Physico-Chemical/ Bacteriological Characteristics Of Leachate Samples For Obosi Dumpsite Parameters pH colour total hardness turbidity chloride sulphate nitrite iron total dissolved soilds total solids electrical conductivity total suspended solids plate count total coliform E.coli L7 8.7 139 381.1 1250 258.0 428.30 62.58 27 781.2 1098 8300 316.8 970 724 +ve L8 8.4 133 293.09 1258 320.40 527.0 63.98 22 781.2 1098.6 5100 317.4 1010 138 +ve L11 8.8 76 278.40 1271 281.50 432.81 62.14 39 794.3 113.4 6500 319.1 1601 151 +ve L12 8.5 179 72.11 1581 261.39 620.4 87.4 43 872.2 1238.1 6317 332.3 791 161 +ve NSWWD(2008) 6.5-8.4 7.0 100 5.0 200 500 30 20 1200 1000 1250 10.0 100/ml 3ml -ve

Table 3 showed the physico-chemical/bacteriological parameters of the groundwater at Ifejika Dumpsite. Their pH values of groundwater obtained are between the ranges (5.0-6.2). They are not within the standard acceptable for drinking water in Nigeria. The groundwater sources located within the vicinity of Ifejika dumpsite showed deviations in high concentration levels above the acceptable standard of nitrite, iron total coliform and E.coli is present in all the samples. They exceed the standards acceptable for drinking water quality in Nigeria. They are not safe for drinking without being treated. The temperatures, E.conductivity, the total hardness, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total solids, plate count, chlorides, sulphates, and heavy metals are all within acceptable standards.

Table 3: The Physico-Chemical/Bacteriological Characteristics of Groundwater for Ifejika Site.

S/N PARAMETERS UNITS EAST G1 6.2 4.0 Nil 23.0 20.0 3.0 12.5 0.8 13.3 38.30 10.48 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.04 8 1.0 +ve G2 6.0 5.0 Nil 24.0 15.9 3.5 9.94 0.7 10.64 35.4 10.33 2.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.001 12 1.1 +ve G3 6.0 4.0 Nil 24.0 31.0 WEST G4 6.2 4.5 Present 25.1 40.0 G5 6.0 5.0 Nil 24.8 23.0 3.8 14.30 2.72 15.1 25.8 5.71 9.85 2.9 0.0 0.0031 0.0 2.05 11 12 +ve G6 5.8 3.0 Nil 25.0 23.4 NORTH G7 6.0 3.5 Nil 24.5 20.0 G8 5.8 4.0 Nil 24.4 40.0 G9 6.1 4.0 Nil 25.3 31.0 SOUTH G10 5.8 3.0 Present 25.1 27.5 G11 5.7 3.2 Nil 25.1 26.0 G12 5.0 3.4 Nil 25.3 32.0 WHO/NSDWQ STANDARD 6.5-8.5 50 Unobjectionable Ambient 1250 5-25 500 10.0 1000 500 250 200-400 0.2 3.0 0.01 1.0 0.3 100/ml 3/ml -v

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

pH Colour Odour Temperature Electrical Conductivity Turbidity total dissolved solid total suspended solid total solid total hardness chlorides Sulphate Nitrite Zinc Lead Copper Iron plate Count total Coliform E.Coli

Hz C Us/cm Unit Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l CFU/ml CFU/ml CFU/ml

3.8 4.0 19.38 25.0 0.81 20.19 31.81 10.48 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.03 10 0.1 +ve 3.50 27.72 30.41 6.49 10.41 5.81 0.001 0.0 0.0 2.45 23 23 +ve

3.5 3.0 5.0 19.30 17.50 25.0 1.72 9.1 19.01 3.61 9.62 1.71 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 7 5 +ve 0.23 17.73 19.4 7.10 05.10 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.01 0.5 0.3 +ve 2.91 27.91 22.81 7.50 7.18 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00 6 1.0 +ve

6.0 4.0 11.31 17.19 1.01 20.39 18.23 8.10 6.65 0.00 0.003 0.0 0.0 0.01 6 2. +ve 0.73 17.92 17.01 9.10 10.78 0.01 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.03 7 2 +ve

4.0 4.0 16.50 22.0 0.87 17.37 11.69 10.30 6.41 0.01 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.01 6.12 3 +ve 0.43 22.43 28.10 7.6 0.8 0.08 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.03 3 3 +ve

Table 1.4: The Physico-Chemical/Bacteriological Characteristics of Groundwater for Obosi Dump Site
S/ N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 PARAMETE RS pH colour odour temperature Electrical conductivity turbidity total dissolved solid total suspended solid total solid total hardness chloride sulphate nitrite zinc lead copper iron plate Count total Coliform E.Coli UNITS EAST G1 8.46 5.0 Prese t 25.5 24.0 40.0 150 14.80 151.0 8 53.10 3.5 6.24 2.5 0.0 0.01 0.0 2.38 92 5.0 +ve G2 8.45 5.0 Nil 20.3 2.30 5.0 143.8 14.10 145.9 50.09 17.0 5.88 2.01 0.0 0.1 0.0 1.01 13 4.09 +ve G3 8.42 4.5 Nil 24.8 150.1 3.5 150.7 10.81 94.51 48.20 10.1 30.09 1.45 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 9 3.21 +ve WEST G4 9.16 6.0 Nil 25.2 22.00 7.0 100 09.83 100.8 3 52.34 98.10 16.01 0.04 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 54 0.3 +ve G5 8.27 4.0 Nil 25.0 16.0 6.5 50 10.07 50.70 32.9 40.3 20.50 0.57 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 61 1.0 +ve G6 8.23 3.5 Nil 24.8 2.10 6.0 13.2 11.21 134.4 1 46.52 3.80 20.10 0.42 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.11 0.7 3 +ve NORTH G7 8.0 4.0 Nil 24.6 110.0 5.2 68.75 07.51 70.92 40.44 4.4 2.74 0.38 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 11 0.21 +ve G8 8.23 4.0 nil 23.7 78.0 5.0 42.75 06.05 52.05 28.98 1.80 2.10 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 10 1.0 +ve G9 8.50 3.0 Nil 22.8 71.5 4.6 41.01 10.00 45.9 25.81 61.40 12.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.31 10 1.0 +ve SOUTH G10 8.45 5.0 Presnt 23.0 60.00 6.0 3.5 9.00 18.4 1.61 1.41 11.81 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 10 3 +ve G11 7.0 4.0 presnt 23.4 70.6 6.0 1.90 09.50 19.00 1.88 5.61 9 0.83 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 17 3 +ve G12 7.43 3.0 presnt 23.3 18.90 5.0 10.70 04.00 19.33 10.52 4.50 1.68 0.81 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10 2.0 +ve NSDWQ STANDARD 6.5-8.5 50 unobjectionable Ambient 1250 5-25 500 10.0 1000 500 250 200-400 0.2 3.0 0.01 1.0 0.3 100m/l 3ml -ve 9

Hz C Us/cm Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l Mg/l CFU/m l CFU/m l CFU/m l

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Similarly, Table 4 showed the physico-chemical/biological parameters of the groundwater at Obosi Dumpsite. The pH values of groundwater from Obosi vicinities are all alkaline and higher than standards acceptable for drinking water. The total coliform exceeded the acceptable standard of drinking water in all directions, but highest in the east side. Iron exceeded the standard acceptable for drinking water in all directions but highest in the east. Nitrite values exceeded the standard acceptable having its highest in the east. The temperatures, E. conductivity, the total hardness, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total solids, plate count, chlorides, sulphates and heavy metals are all within standards acceptable for drinking water in Nigeria. These implied that the groundwater sources are not good for drinking without treatment. A statistical test was carried out to validate the fact that the groundwater quality was being polluted by leachates in the area. In doing this a hypotheses was postulated thus: There was no significant difference between the groundwater quality used in the area and NSDWQ. The one sample student t-2 test was used to test the hypotheses for the two areas. The analysis showed that the significant values for groundwater quality (Cl, S, N and Fe) are (0.000, 0.020, 0.004 and 0.020) respectively. This indicated that the calculated P-value is less than the table P-value thus the groundwater quality is significantly different. The result showed that the groundwater quantity differs significantly from NSDWQ for Nigeria. Similarly, the analysis for Obosi area showed that the significant values for groundwater quality (Cl, S, N and Fe) are (0.000, 0.000, 0.014 and 0.033) respectively. This indicated that the calculated P-value is less than the table P-value thus the groundwater quality is significantly different. The result also showed that the groundwater quantity differs significantly from NSDWQ for Nigeria. The heavy metals were not indicated because the values are negligible.
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This implies beyond any reasonable doubt that leachate pollution on groundwater sources at the two areas are as a result of the existence of the dump sites. The above results showed that the experimental and statistical observations drawn on both Ifejika and Obosi on leachate seepage into groundwater are confirmed. CONCLUSION It is deduced from the study that there is an interaction between the leachate from the dumpsites and groundwater in the two areas. This confirms the need for inclusion of the geology of a place as the criteria for site selection for pollutants generating activities. Hence, the groundwater quality of the area is polluted and is unsafe for drinking. The boiling of drinking water is advised before ingestion. Every effort should be made to discourage residents from continuous dumping, in order, to avoid more significant dangers in the present future. RECOMMENDATIONS The open dumping system can be upgraded to control dumping/basic land filling or sanitary land filling with the associated environmental/engineering controls. The numerous drilling of boreholes in Onitsha and Obosi areas should be monitored in order, to control leachate seepage since the geology of the area farvours pollutant migration. However, the use of another site where the geology and lithological characteristics of the area will not farvour pollutant movement is also advised. Government should endeavor to provide pipe borne water for public consumption to avoid groundwater pollution. There is need for environmental education and awareness among the residents. This will promote the need for good environmental quality, arousal of environmental consciousness and seeing lands as convenient site for productive and conservative uses. There is need to have enforced policies which adequately deal with solid waste management issues.

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REFERENCES
1) Rapid Assessment of Drinking Water Quality (RADWQ,2005). Country Report Nigeria. Prepared by Margaret Ince and the RADWQ Nigeria Technical Committee. Pp 112-161. 2) World Bank (2000). Water Supply and Sanitation. Interim Strategy Note for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Pp 273-282. 3) Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development Small Towns (1998). Water Supply and Sanitation Programme. Implementation Guidelines. Federal Republic of Nigeria. 4) United Nations- HABITAT (2005).Water for African Cities Jos Project- Nigeria Programme Formulation. Draft Final Report, Nov, 2005. 5) United Nations Environment Programme (1996). Water Quality Monitoring. An Imprint of Chapman and Hall, London. Pp 71-80. 6) World Health Organization (1996). State of the World Health Report Geneva.Pp37-48. 7) Brandley, D.J.,(1977).Health Aspect of Water Supplies in Tropical Countries. Structural Dependence of Flavonoids Interactions with Copper (11) ions. Oklahoma State University. U.S.A. Annual Science Journal, 33, 78. 8) Bauder,J.W. and Vogel, M.P., (1990). Contaminants-Likely Sources and Hazardous Levels. In Cooperation with Montana Farm Bureau. http:/hermes. ecn. Purdu edu: 8000I/water quality/Montanalwq. 9) Bagchi, A.C, (2004). Design of Landfills and Integrated Soil Waste Management in Landfill Design. 3 Edition .Willey Sons USA Pp237-352. 10) Hogson, E., (2004).Water and Soil Pollutants. Textbook of Modern Toxicology .3 Edition. John Willey and Sons Inc. New Jersey USA .Pp42-57.

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