The Impact of Dumpsite nn Groundwater Quality in Markudi Metropolis, Benue State

Abstract

Makurdi, the capital and commercial nerve centre of Benue State lies between latitude 74000" N to 75000" N of the Equator and longitude 82000" E to 84000" E of the Greenwich Meridian. A total of 15 water samples were collected from hand-dug wells within the vicinity of 2 major waste dumpsites within Makurdi Metropolis while another 15 samples were collected far away from the dumpsites. The set of samples were analyzed for relevant physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters using standard analytical method. The results of the analyses were compared to World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and National Agency for Food, Drugs, Administration and Control (NAFDAC) standards. The results of the water samples collected far away from the dumpsites compete favourably with these standards while the samples within the vicinity of the dumpsites show some level of groundwater degradation such as low pH and high concentration of Fe, Mn and Ca respectively. The Ca enrichment of the groundwater is attributed to the dissolution of the host rock through which the water passes while the low pH, high iron and manganese concentration may be due to leachate from the dumpsites. The water in the area is poor bacteriologically as revealed by the high coliform content. Piper and stiff plots show that the water in the area is mainly Ca-SO42- type. The use of the existing dumpsites should be discontinued and future dumpsites be sited away from residential areas and landfill and sanitary laws enforced.