Heavy Metal and Physicochemical Properties of Soil in Ugwuaji Solid Waste Dumpsite during the Dry Season

Abstract

The practice of open dumping of solid wastes is becoming very common, irrespective of the dangers it poses to the environment and to humans. The present study is aimed at assessing the heavy metal and physicochemical properties of soil in Ugwuaji solid waste dumpsite during the dry season; using standard techniques. Using circular plot method, soil samples were collected from the study area at depth 0 to 15 cm, 15 to 30 cm, and 30 to 45 cm during the months of November, December and January. The results of the findings showed reduction in most of the soil physicochemical properties such as: soil pH, CEC, clay, silt, TOC, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and moisture content [5.65 pH.H2O, 11.8 cmol/kg, 14.2 %, 17.7 %, 388.2 g/kg, 0.96 g/kg, 57.8 mg/kg, 0.88 cmol/kg and 8.12 % respectively]. High SOM was observed (234.3 g/kg) and the soil textural class was observed to be sandy-loam. The concentration of heavy metals observed reduced progressively from November to January. The metal concentration was observed in the order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Hg > Cd. The study concluded that the presence of heavy metals in soils from Ugwuaji dumpsite affects the soil physicochemical properties.