Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Methods for Environmental Assessment of Municipal Dumpsite System

Ayolabi, Elijah Adebowale and Folorunso, Adetayo Femi and Kayode, O.T (2013) Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Methods for Environmental Assessment of Municipal Dumpsite System. International Journal of Geosciences. pp. 850-862.

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Abstract

Leachate originating from open refuse dumpsite systems can be delineated through an integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. This study was designed to examine extent of leachate and pollution from one of the numerous open refuse dumpsites in Lagos metropolis. Qualitative assessment was determined using electrical resistivity tomo- graphy (ERT), vertical electrical sounding (VES) and induced polarization geophysical methods. Both ERT and VES methods revealed persistent low resistivity (1 - 20 Ωm) of leachate to the depth above 35 m. The two methods were projected to produce 3-D view of the site which shows a NW-SE flow pattern of the leachate and possibly, the ground- water. IP values observed over the polluted zone was −2.9 - 8 ms, indicating a sandy layer. Quantitative assessment was achieved by analysis of geochemical substances in the water samples taken from wells and boreholes in the precinct of the dumpsite. Here, we examine the macroelements, salts (sulphates, nitrates and chlorides), heavy metals, radioactive metals contents and physical parameters of the water samples. The analyses reveal the presence of these substances in the water and their strong correlations justified the provenance as the same. As part of the quantitative evaluation, physical parameters (pH, TDS, DO, salinity, total hardness, turbidity, electrical conductivity EC and temperature) of the water samples were also determined. The samples pH plotted in the acidic domain unsuitable for human consumption. Leachate flow direction was generated from the decreasing concentration of measured parameters (geochemical ele- ments and physicals properties) in NW-SE direction which agrees with similar flow pattern deduced from ERT results.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Dumpsite; Leachate; Electrical Resistivity; Hydrochemical Analysis; Pollution Depth; Heavy Metals; Contaminant Plume
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QC Physics
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Physics
Depositing User:	Mrs Hannah Akinwumi
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2016 12:52
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2016 12:52
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/7499

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