A Comparative Study of the Effects of Dumpsites on Groundwater Quality in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State.

Abstract:

The study was conducted to compare effects of dumpsites on groundwater quality in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State. It aimed at examining the effect of dumpsites from physicochemical and heavy metal content of borehole water and determining the water quality rating of boreholes in the study areas. Three (3) dumpsites namely Uyo Village Road Dumpsite (UVD), Atiku Road Dumpsite (ARD) and Ediene Uyo Dumpsite (EUD) were used for the study. The triangular sampling method was used to select three boreholes in each dumpsite area giving a total of thirty-six (36) samples on replication for the three dumpsites and control. The water samples were collected in well-labeled pretreated 1-litre plastic bottles and were immediately transported to the laboratory for analysis. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and means of significant parameters were separated using the Duncan multiple range test at 5% level of probability. Result showed that mean pH was 7.49 in control significantly lower than 8.22- 8.66 in the study areas. Electrical conductivity was 245.33 - 580.67 μs/cm with 335.00 μs/cm as control. Mean temperatures were 28.53-28.67 oC and 28.0 oC for control. Also, values obtained for turbidity were 3.47 - 4.21 and 3.47 in control. DO in control borehole water was 3.07 mg/l while that of dumpsites were 3.18 - 3.37 mg/l. The calculated water indices were 1871.92, 33492.86 and 32288.10 for UVD, ARD and EUD. The findings revealed that mean values in water quality parameters like Magnesium, dissolved oxygen, lead, cadmium, Nickel and Zinc were above the permissible limit of World Health Organization for drinking water indicating higher evidence of ground water pollution in the study area. The study generally showed that borehole water samples from the three dumpsites were unsuitable for drinking. Public awareness among borehole owners and users within dumpsite environment on ground water contamination by dumpsites was recommended among others in the study area and the water should be treated before human consumption.