Examining the Effect of Spatial Proximity of Geo-located Dumpsites on Groundwater Quality in Samaru-Nigeria

Authors : Terwase YOUNGU, Yahaya ALİYU, Adamu BALA, Samuel AZUA, Aliyu Zailani ABUBAKAR, Samuel Enyinna AKPA

Pages : 40-51

Doi:10.30897/ijegeo.896638

View : 15 | Download : 12

Publication Date : 2022-03-06

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The effect of improper waste disposal on man’s health and environment due to the closeness of solid waste dumpsites to underground water sources in some parts of the world has raised issues of serious concern. This study thus sought to examine groundwater quality dependence on the spatial proximity of dumpsites in Samaru, Kaduna state-Nigeria. The coordinates of 10 solid waste dumpsites in proximity to groundwater sources insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(boreholes); in the study area were acquired for spatial analyses with a GPS-enabled smartphone. Ten groundwater samples from boreholes in relation to dumpsites were collected for testing and analyses of 11 physical and chemical parameters of water quality based on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CCME); and World Health Organisation insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(WHO); standard limits. Thereafter, the water quality index insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(WQI); for all the locations was calculated. The results of the spatial proximity analyses carried out revealed that the requirement for locating dumpsites was not met as specified by the Environmental Protection Agency insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(EPA); regarding the minimum safe distance from groundwater sources as a majority insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(about 80%); of the dumpsites were located too close to the boreholes. The results of the study, however, revealed that the majority insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(about 80%); of the groundwater samples met the conditions for good drinking water insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(suitable for drinking water); even with their closeness to the dumpsites based on the computed WQI values and ratings. Meanwhile, only Calcium, Dissolved Oxygen, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand concentrations were significantly affected insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p < 0.05 at the 95% significance level); by the closeness of the solid waste dumpsites to the boreholes with very strong insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(R2 = 86%); and strong insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(R2 = 79%); relationships, respectively. Suggestions were nonetheless made for the monitoring of land use activities in the areas surrounding groundwater sources to prevent groundwater contamination.
Keywords : Geo location, Groundwater Quality, Solid Waste Management, Spatial Proximity, WHO