IMPACTS OF DUMPSITE LEACHATE ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA AND ENVIRONS: A PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND HEAVY METAL ANALYSIS

Authors

  • Nwachukwu C.P Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Author
  • Umobi C.O Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Author
  • Nwaorgu V.C Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Author
  • Okwuosa F.C Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Author
  • Offoma S.O Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Author

Keywords:

Groundwater Contamination, Leachate, Heavy Metals, Physicochemical Parameters, Dumpsite, Awka South LGA

Abstract

Groundwater contamination from improper solid waste disposal is a critical environmental issue in urban areas like 
Awka South Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Nigeria, where rapid population growth and inadequate 
waste management exacerbate leachate infiltration into aquifers. This study evaluates the impact of dumpsite leachate 
on groundwater quality by analyzing physicochemical parameters (hardness, alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, 
potential of hydrogen (pH), Total dissolved sold (TDS), and turbidity) and heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium, 
and arsenic) in groundwater and leachate samples from six locations: Amawbia, Agu-Awka, Ifite Awka, Okpuno, 
Amaenyi, and Amansea. Samples were collected from boreholes, wells, and dumpsite runoff, analyzed using standard 
methods (APHA, 2017), and compared against World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines and 
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) irrigation standards. Results indicate that groundwater physicochemical 
parameters largely comply with WHO limits, with minor exceedances in pH (e.g., Ifite Awka 6.33) and turbidity (up 
to 2.114 NTU). Leachates exhibit greater deviations, including acidic pH (6.14–6.52), high turbidity (up to 5.891 
NTU), and elevated nitrates (up to 47.807 mg/l), suggesting landfill influence. Heavy metal concentrations frequently 
exceed WHO health-based limits, with lead (up to 0.267 mg/l), mercury (up to 1.352 mg/l), chromium (up to 2.706 
mg/l/), and arsenic (up to 0.231 mg/l) posing toxicity and carcinogenic risks for drinking. For irrigation, most 
parameters meet FAO guidelines, except some chromium and arsenic in leachates. The study highlights significant 
groundwater contamination risks from leachate, particularly heavy metals, necessitating remediation, improved waste 
management, and geospatial monitoring to protect public health and agricultural sustainability in Awka South LGA.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2026-02-28

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): UNIZIK JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Section

Articles