Characterization and Environmental Assessment of Leachates Generated Around Solid Waste Disposal Sites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

In this study, the leachate characterization is defined from different dumpsites in some parts of Port Harcourt, namely Choba, Igwuruta and Rumuomei. Leachate samples were collected from the three locations of dumpsites and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters. The results were compared with the world health organization (WHO) standard and Nigerian standard for drinking water quality. It was observed that the pH, Phosphates, Sulphates, Zinc and Cupper were within Nigerian regulatory standard while EC, Cl, BOD, COD, Pb, Fe, Mn and Cr exceeded the standard. The heavy metals content of leachate samples obtained from the laboartory analysis included Copper (cu), Zinc (zn), Iron (Fe), Managenese (Mn), Chromium (Cr). Copper has a range of -0.067 to 0.192mg/l, with mean value of 0.019mg/l. The mean falls below the WHO standard of 1.0mg/l. The relative low values of heavy metal obtained may be attributed to dumping of muncipal waste and small percentage of industrial wastes. Zinc concentration of the lechaete sample range from 0.113 to -0.2.38mg/l, with a mean value of -0.126mg/l, which falls below the WHO standard of 5mg/l. The concentration of Zn depicts the dumping of batteries and flourescent lamps in the dumpsite. Lead has a range of 0.027 to 1.440mg/l with a mean value of 0.062mg/l. The quantity of lead, is attributed to presence of lead related waste such as batteries, paints and photograph processing chemical in the dumpsites. Iron has a range of 8.916 to 13.27mg/l with a mean value of 10.84mg/l. The high level of iron in the leachte samples may indicate presence of iron and steel scraps waste in the dumpsite. Managense concentration range 1.796- 4.117 mg/l. Chromiun has a range of 0.04-0.588mg/l, with a mean value of 0.351mg/l. The presence of microbes are indicated in the value of Total coliform (TC), Total heterotrophic bacterial (THB), Total heterogenous fungi (THF),which exceed the value of WHO standard. Goverment has a huge responsiblilty in funding , enacting laws, providing and maintainace of necessary infrastructure for environmental sound collection, transportation and disposal, through the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA). Goverment and waste agency should promote educational and awareness program for the citizens as well as in schools to inculcate an attitude on waste prevention, seperation of waste at source, and other environmentally sound municipal waste management approach.