Leachate contamination potential of a waste dumpsite in Effurun City, Southern Nigeria using the leachate pollution index

Abstract

The leachate pollution index (LPI) has been used to quantify the leachate contamination potential of a dumpsite in Effurun, Southern Nigeria. Leachate samples were collected from 3 locations in the dumpsite and labeled L1, L2 and L3. Replicates were collected and a representative sample was then derived for each location. The individual pollutant variables of the leachates obtained from the analyses were compared with their corresponding disposal standards. All parameters fell below the permissible limits of treated leachates discharged into inland surface water except total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and Pb. The LPI values for the sample locations L1, L2 and L3 were 5.68, 6.16 and 4.75 respectively with a mean of 5.64, while the control had a value of 4.52. Comparison of the mean LPI value (5.64) with the standard for treated leachates (7.38) indicated a relatively low contamination potential of the leachates. It is advised, however, that individual contaminants meet the discharge standards before discharge because the pollutant variables that exceeded the permissible limits may cause significant damage to the health of aquatic biota. The study also recommends continuous monitoring of leachates and upgrade of the dump site and others into well engineered landfills to forestall possible pollution problems in the future.