Estimating the Temporal Leachate Contamination Potential of Yenagoa Central Waste Dumpsite, Using Leachate Pollution Index, Abanigi Road Etelebu, Nigeria

Abstract

Leachates have gradually taken the center stage of environmental discuss in recent times because of their interference with the environment. The potency of any leachate is largely dependent on its concentration which varies with time depending on waste generation patterns, waste stabilization and environmental factors. Leachate pollution index (LPI) provides an overall pollution potential of a landfill site. In this study, the concept of LPI is described in brief and used to estimate the temporal variation of leachate pollution within the dump site. Stepwise procedure to calculate the LPI of a landfill is explained using data from the Yenagoa Central Waste Dump (YCWD) Abanigi Road, Etelebu, Nigeria. This waste dump have no liners or leachate collection/treatment system, therefore, leachate generated finds its way into the environment. LPI values are a comparative scale used as a hazard identification tool. It is an increasing scale index, where a higher value indicates poor environmental condition based on the Delphi technique. Four samples of leachate were taken at different locations within the dumpsite and mixed for homogeneity. The sampling was done twice, ie, during March and December of 2019. The laboratory data was analyzed for its pollution potential using LPI and comparison made between the two sampling regimes. In the present study, leachate samples were collected and analyzed for 9 significant parameters viz pH, TDS, NO3, BOD5, COD, Cu, Zn, Fe and TC. The results obtained showed that the leachate contents were highly contaminated. The March and December analysis showed LPI values of 17.004 and 15.757 respectively, which were beyond the Indian leachate disposal standards for inland surface water (7.378). It was also observed that the leachate concentration during the March analytical period was more toxic than that of the December analytical regime. Therefore, a robust waste management strategy is recommended for the Bayelsa State sanitation Authority.