INVESTIGATION ON LEACHATE TRANSPORT ON GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION USING VERTICAL ELECTRICAL SOUNDING (VES)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjoest.v6i2.242Keywords:
investigation, leachate, transport, groundwater, contamination, verticalAbstract
The rapid increase in population has heightened concerns regarding waste disposal, with open dumpsites serving as the primary method of waste management in many areas. This study investigates the geo-electric characteristics and groundwater quality of boreholes situated near an open dumpsite in Ogale Community, Eleme Local Government, Rivers State, Nigeria. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using the Schlumberger configuration was employed to examine the effects of leachate on groundwater contamination, subsurface aquifer protective capacity, and lithological corrosivity. Borehole water samples collected from varying depths (50m, 100m, 150m) and a control location (2000m) revealed that pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO) exceeded the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Results indicated high chloride concentrations and microbial contamination, particularly in boreholes closest to the dumpsite. The regression model (R² values of 0.9743, 0.9962, and 0.9981) demonstrated significant metal corrosivity at varying depths. The Water Quality Index (WQI) values (67.7, 67.6, and 68.1) classified the groundwater as poor and unsuitable for drinking. VES analysis confirmed weak to moderate aquifer protective capacity, correlating with increased acidity and microbial presence. Consequently, metal pipes prone to corrosion are unsuitable for water conveyance, and plastic pipes are recommended. The study underscores the necessity for improved waste management practices, including landfill engineering, solid waste recycling, and enhanced environmental sanitation to mitigate groundwater contamination risks.
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