Effects of Leachates from Solid Waste Dumpsites on Nearby Boreholes in Rumueme, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The investigation of solid waste around Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria was carried out to acquire information on the condition of the soil and the types of waste as well as the nature of leachates produced within the environment. It aims at predicting hydrogeologic site conditions and contaminating transport potential. Samples were collected at three locations using hand auger at depths of 1 m, 2 m and 3 m and laboratory analyses conducted. Results of the soil analyses revealed medium grained sands with average permeability of 10-3mm3/s while the chemical analyses of leachates indicated high concentration of the waste derivates which have been degraded. Among the parameters measured, the average values of pH, 8.8; conductivities 1750 mS/cm and total dissolved solids (TDS)1150 mg/L of the boreholes (BHI, BH2 and BH3) are above the world health organization (WHO) standards of 8.0, 1500 mS/cm and 450 mg/L respectively. The result from this study will enable the officials of municipalities to design and construct dumpsites in appropriate locations thereby mitigating their associated leachates.