Radiometric and Heavy Metal Analysis of Leachates in Selected Open Dumpsites in Port Harcourt Region

Abstract

Leachates from selected open dumpsites in Port Harcourt region were analysed for radiometrics and for heavy metal parameters. For radiometrics, gamma ray spectroscope was used while Heavy metal parameters used spectrophotometer. These parameters were compared among the selected dumpsites of different study areas and established international standard FEPA and WHO/INIS were used. Dumpsites leachates show mean of potassium 40K(71.715± 0.3 Bq kgl-), Uranium 238U (11.129± 0.021 Bqkgl-), Thorium 232Th (1.813± 0.073 Bqkgl-) and Heavy metals show iron (20.966mgl-), Copper (25.787 mgl-), cadmium (3.592mgl-), nickel (1.557mgl-), zinc (129.855 mgl-), Magnesium (1.062mgl-), lead (1.269 mgl-) Chromium (1.966 mgl-). These recorded mean are above limits recommendation of World Health Organization (WHO). The radiometric and Heavy metals analyses revealed that the physical environment, the surface water and underground water quality are at risk. If the leachate containing the element of heavy metals and radioactive elements are not managed well by the concerned authorities, human and its environment would be subjected to danger. It is important that local, state, federal government and other stakeholders pay attention to dumpsite leachates to provide safe facilities to control the waste water and embark on daily orientation on the dangers associated with leachates. This will help minimize the spread of diseases through water and air within the dumpsite locations.