Effect of Waste Dumpsites on Groundwater Quality in Samaru Area of Zaria Kaduna State

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of waste dumpsites on groundwater quality at Samaru-Zaria, Kaduna State. Water samples were collected from twenty-four (24) different wells from three (3) strategic areas that have major waste dumpsites in Samaru. Twelve of these samples were taken during the dry season (April) and another twelve taken during the rainy season (August) from both boreholes and hand dug wells. Out of the twelve samples, six were taken within (0-50 meters) to dumpsites and another six far away (50-150 meters) from the dumpsite. The pollutants assessed include, Biological Oxygen Demand, Total Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Chloride, Total Hardness, Colour, pH. T-test was used to test for significant difference between parameters while chi-square was used to test for the relationship between quality of water in wells close to and those far away from waste dumpsite in dry and rainy season. From the findings of the research it was discovered that many wells in the study area located close to the dumpsite (0-50 meters) have levels of concentration of pollutants of physico-chemical to be high (in wells close to dumpsites) compared to wells far from dumpsites 50-150 meters. It was also discovered that the concentration of pollutants during the wet season is higher than that during the dry season. From laboratory analysis conducted it was discovered that COD had the highest physico-chemical concentration of 648.50mg/l and BOD a concentration of 1.70mg/l. It was also discovered that deep and shallow wells close to dumpsites have a higher total contamination rate than deep and shallow wells far from dumpsites but there was no significant difference between them as revealed by the t-test. Thus, such water should be treated by employing some measures such as the use of disinfectants or boiling before use which will help reduce the pollutants.