Impacts of Solid Waste Dumps on Soil Quality - Implications for Regional Planning and Management in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

Abstract

Dumpsites contain numerous contaminants which can pollute the soil of the affected area. The study examined the impacts of solid waste dumps on soil quality and its implications for regional planning and management in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State. The study adopted the experimental research design. The nature and source of data was through the primary and secondary sources. The soil samples were randomly collected at the dept of 20cm from both the waste dump sites and the non-dumpsite (control). The dump site locations were Mgbuoshimini, Rumuokwashi and Ozuoba, while the non-dumpsites (control) location was Iwofe (I.A.U.E). The samples obtained were taken to the laboratory for anlysis using standard methods. The parameter determined were pH, Electrical Conductivity(EC),Magnesiim(Mg),Calcium (Ca), Sodium(Na),Available phosphorus(Ap), Nitrogen(N), Potassium(K), Bulk Density, Organic carbon(OC) Organic Matter(OM), Porosity, Exchangeable acid, Moisture content (MC), Textural class, Morphological properties of dumpsites and that of the non-dumpsites (control). Data acquired from the laboratory was subjected to statistical analysis (chi square). The results obtained during this period were put together to obtain a single mean for each sample location. Results showed that pH values ranged between 7.02 and 7.68, recording slight variation for different dumpsites. There were no significant differences (p>0-05) across the study sites. Electrical Conductivity(EC) concentrations ranged from 362-1900 compared with the control which was 109.2. Mean pH was 7.34 which equated the pH of the soil gotten from sample one (Mbuoshimini). There was also no significant difference in the textual class bof the soils in the dumpsites and that of the control at 0.05 significant level; It was deduced that waste dumping has altered the physicochemical constituents of the soil. This was in line with the study carried out in Karachi, Pakistan in 2019 by Seema and Rubab. It was also deduced that the impact of solid waste on soil could be attributed to the type of waste deposited at the dumpsite and also the age of the dumpsite. It was therefore, recommended that waste creation should be minimized in the region to avoid dumping and subsequent management which will later cause harm to humans who are on the receiving end. Also, recycling and reuse of solid waste should be encouraged in the region.