URBANISATION OF BENIN CITY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE QUALITY OF SOILS IN SELECTED DUMPSITES

Abstract

Benin City has experienced rapid population growth, urban expansion, and rising consumption, 
intensifying the challenge of inadequate solid waste management. This study investigates the impact 
of municipal solid waste (MSW) dumpsites on heavy metal concentrations in soils and private 
boreholes in selected parts of the city. Soil, borehole, and MSW composition data were obtained from 
the National Centre for Energy and Environment, University of Benin. Samples were analyzed for 
iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Additionally, Landsat 
8 satellite imagery (2010–2022) from the U.S. Geological Survey was employed to examine land 
cover dynamics. Findings revealed a steady increase in urban land use, from 23.97% in 2010 to its 
peak in 2022. Elevated heavy metal concentrations were recorded at both dumpsites, with Fe showing 
the highest mean level (232.73 mg/L at Oluko and 123.1 mg/L at Ikhueniro). While other metals were 
within World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits for drinking water, Fe exceeded the 
recommended threshold. The composition of MSW followed the order: organic waste > paper > 
plastic > wood > glass > ceramic > metal, with organic waste accounting for 31.3% (47 kg) at Oluko 
and 27.9% (51 kg) at Ikhueniro. The study underscores the urgent need for public sensitization, waste
sorting awareness campaigns, and integration of MSW education into school curricula to promote 
sustainable waste management.