African Journal of
Environmental Science and Technology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0786
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJEST
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 1119

Article in Press

Assessment of the effect of solid waste dump site on surrounding soil and river water quality in Teppi town, Southwest Ethiopia

Besufekad Mekonnen, Alemayehu Haddis, Wuhib Zeine

  •  Received: 18 October 2019
  •  Accepted: 13 November 2019
Background: An increase in the urban population and the rising demand for food and other essentials perpetuate a rise in the amount of waste being generated daily by each household. In Ethiopia, this waste is eventually thrown into open dump sites. It can causes severe impact on soil and surface water quality. As a result, it can be the probable source of human health risk through food chain. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the effect of a solid waste dump site on surrounding soil and river water quality in Teppi town, Southwest, Ethiopia. Methods: Three surface water, one leachate water sample, and four soil samples were collected and were analyzed. Six heavy metals for surface water and leachate samples and four heavy metals for soil samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. In addition, physico-chemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods. The soil and water data were analyzed statistically using Origin pro version 8.0 computer software packages. Results: pH of soil was slightly basic (pH 8±0.1 up to 8.7±0.21). Electrical conductivity was lower in 60 meters (1800±0.5μs/cm) and higher in the other sample sites (3490±0.66-4920±1.04μs/cm). Heavy metals such as cadmium (0.53±0.01-2.26±0.02 mg/kg), zinc (623.93±0.29-859.41±0.02mg/kg), lead (3.26±0.25-57.560.26mg/kg), and copper (204.06±0.06 337.11±0.01mg/kg) in the sample soils were revealed. Lead cadmium, manganese, nickel, copper, and zinc in the leachate water and nickel and manganese in nearby river water, BOD5, chemical oxygen demand for both leachate and stream water samples were found to be higher than standard guideline values. Conclusion: The finding suggested that solid waste open dump site adversely affects soil and water quality in the study area and probable source of risk for human health via the food chain.

Keywords: Solid waste, Dumpsite, Leachate, Soil, Water.