Name: Aban, Nolan Napoleon, L.

Section:11-Sapphira

Strand:STEM

Solid waste and its effects to the quality of water underground

Compiled and arranged Summary Review Articles

Introduction

A dumpsite is a large area of land used for the disposal of waste and unwanted

materials from homes, institutions, industries, or the environment. It is usually open or

covered with soil, with or without a liner at the bottom. Most of the time, this results in

pollution and contamination of the environment. The presence of a dumpsite in an area

frequently has a negative impact on the general condition of the environment and the

residents of the area. It is important to note that when dumpsites are not covered (are

open), they attract flies, insects, and other animals that can cause diseases or other

public health issues in people who live near such waste management facilities,

particularly scavengers (Dong et al. 2008). Solid wastes are disposed of or dumped in

barren lands in Nigeria and most other developing countries, and many are not properly

managed, if at all. There are two types of dumpsites: landfills and open dumpsites.

Landfills are properly designed to provide significant advantages over open dumpsites,

such as reduced environmental and health risks. However, they have been identified as

major contributors to groundwater pollution as a result of solution leakage from leachate

into the ground. This is a mixture of toxic contaminants with various chemical

components (Yang et al. 2013; Regado et al. 2012; Li et al. 2014). By gravity, leachates
move through the dump to the bottom and sides beneath the soil until they reach the

groundwater zone or aquifer. The contaminants in the leachate will first reach the

unsaturated zone, then move to the saturated zone's groundwater table. Thus,

groundwater contamination from leachate migration due to dumpsite can be a major

source of environmental problem and concern (Singh et al. 2008), but lined dumps are

better in terms of contamination prevention; however, lined dumps can also be a source

of problem for groundwater quality if the liners fail (Banu and Berrin 2015). Groundwater

is an important and renewable source of water for human life and economic

development in general. It is a component of the earth's water system, and the

hydrologic cycle would be incomplete without it. It is found in permeable geologic

formations known as aquifers. These are structures that can store and transmit enough

water to the wells as quickly as possible. Groundwater is important in agricultural

irrigation, particularly in rural areas where it is primarily used to provide additional

resources for food security. It is also an important source of quality water at a low cost

in cities where piped water is not guaranteed. Groundwater is under threat of

degradation due to contamination as well as misuse. The threat of pollution caused by

chemical disposal to the land surface by agricultural, industrial, and domestic dumps is

of great concern to humanity. Groundwater contamination caused by a dumpsite is

primarily caused by the contaminant potential of leachate from the waste body.

Chemical and biological byproducts of dump wastes are associated with dissolved or

suspended materials from leachate (Chian and Dewalle 1976). These leachates are

mostly made up of organic materials. or inorganic constituents of biodegradation of solid

wastes flowing out of refuse dumps that have been saturated with rainwater flowing
through them (Kassenga and Mbluligwe 2009). Municipal solid wastes are primarily

made up of industrial and household deposits, resulting in leachate with high ion

concentrations and, as a result, very low resistivity. This has a significant impact on the

chemistry of the resulting water. The chemical composition of groundwater is

determined by its suitability for human and animal consumption, agriculture, industry,

and other uses (Babiker et al. 2007). As a result, proper dumpsite maintenance,

evaluation, and monitoring are critical in reducing leachate contamination and ensuring

the quality of groundwater. Many researchers have studied groundwater pollution

caused by dumpsites using various methods such as geophysical investigation and/or

hydro-physiochemical analysis. Because most contaminants are naturally conductive,

geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity, seismic refraction, magnetic and

electromagnetic induction have been found to be reliable and competent for such

environmental and engineering studies (Atekwana et al. 2000; Olafisoye et al. 2013;

Kassenga and Mbluligwe 2009; Ustra et al.2012). A geophysical method is one of the

best approaches for characterizing subsurface geology and hydrology without disrupting

the subsurface geology's natural arrangement. Pantelis et al. 2007 used this method to

determine the electromagnetic, electrical, and acoustic properties of the subsurface in

their study. (Olafisoye et al. 2013; Igboama et al. 2021) conducted their research using

a Schlumberger electrical array and interpreted the field data obtained by using the

partial curve matching technique (Koefoed 1979) with master curves. Abdullahi et al.

(2011) used an integrated geophysical method to conduct geophysical surveys of

municipal waste dumps, whereas Bayode et al. (2011) used two different geoelectric

arrays in their study at Otutubiosun dumpsite, Akure, Southwestern Nigeria: dipole-

dipole and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) techniques. Ganiyu et al. used hydro-

chemical and geophysical methods in a study around the Ajakanga dumpsite in

southwestern Nigeria (2016). The findings of this study, when combined with the results

of existing hand-dug wells around the dumpsite, provided detailed empirical information

about the dumpsite as well as the extent of leachate plume migration (Ganiyu, et al.

2016). All of the preceding studies found groundwater contamination using various

geophysical methods. Several scholars have conducted hydrogeochemical or

physiochemical analyses to investigate groundwater contamination caused by

dumpsites (Abd El-Salam and Abu-Zuid 2015; Armah et al. 2012; Afolayan et al.2012;

Badejo et al.2013; Igboama, et al. 2021). Oyelami et al. (2013) investigated the impact

of a dumpsite on groundwater in Aduramigba Estate, Osogbo Metropolis, Nigeria. Water

samples were analyzed for physiochemical parameters such as ions, trace metals,

electrical conductivity, temperature, and pH using AAS, Iron Chromatographic, titrimetric

methods, multi parameter, and EC/pH meters in their study. For seven years, the landfill

was used to monitor and evaluate the water quality flowing into and around the landfill

site. Abd El-Salam and Abu-Zuid (2015) investigated the use of leachate samples to

characterize and determine groundwater quality in Egypt.

In light of the preceding investigations, this study is intended to review various studies

conducted using geophysical and physiochemical methods to investigate the impact of

groundwater contamination caused by dumpsites.

Body

Groundwater contamination is caused by a variety of factors. The following are some of

the factors:
• Natural Sources: Some substances found in soils and rocks can dissolve in water and

contaminate it. Iron, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, uranium, chlorides, and arsenic

are a few examples.

• Solid waste: This is a major source of groundwater pollution. These wastes can be

collected in dumpsites/landfills, and the degradation products and chemicals from them

percolate into groundwater via precipitation and surface runoffs. Manure, garbage, and

industrial waste are some examples.

• Graveyards: Leachate from decayed dead bodies pollutes groundwater.

• Septic systems are another major source of groundwater pollution. Pollutants are

discharged from septic tanks, privies, cesspools, and other similar facilities. Leakages

When these are not properly designed, contaminants such as oils, nitrates, chemicals,

and bacteria are released into groundwater.

• Hazardous Waste Disposal: Hazardous waste includes wastes such as motor and

brake oil, cooking oil, photographic chemicals, paints, and chemicals from swimming

pools. When these are disposed of directly into the environment or through septic tanks,

they cause serious groundwater contamination.

• Agricultural Chemicals: Excessive use of agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers and

pesticides can pollute groundwater. With the help of rainfall, these chemicals seep

deeper into groundwater.

• Petrochemicals. Petroleum products are stored in tanks that are either underground or

above ground. Furthermore, petroleum products are primarily transported underground

via pipelines. Leakages from these materials can pollute and contaminate water. The

spilled chemicals seep into the ground with water, polluting groundwater.

• Surface impoundments: These are shallow dishes that are used to store liquid waste

from factories. They are intended to have clay liners or leachates to prevent leaching;

however, faulty liners may cause groundwater contamination due to leakage.

• Injection points Injection wells can be used for a variety of purposes, including the

collection of disposable water from industrial and commercial effluents. The lack of

proper regulation governing its use can result in hazardous chemicals being injected. In

developing nations like Nigeria, where there is rapid increase in population, increase in

socio-economic development, industrialization, technology advancements, change in

lifestyles and consumption patterns, the administration and coordination of solid waste

has become a big challenge Some industrial wastes in a dumpsite may contain heavy

metals such as arsenic, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel

(Ni). The concentration of these heavy metals varies from dump to dump and is affected

by the source of the waste that makes up the dump, as well as the natural soil content

of the area. Solid waste from industrial zones dumped in a dumpsite reacts with

percolating rainwater and other environmental conditions, resulting in leachate, which is

the product of the reaction of percolating rainwater, ions, trace elements, and other

degradable dump constituents transferred to the water level. Some dumps and landfills

in developing countries, such as Nigeria, are designed and built without engineered

liners, leachate collection systems (pipes, tanks), collection equipment, or monitoring

facilities. The lack of these, combined with an ineffective solid waste management

system and uncoordinated dumping of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in an open dump,
are the primary causes of ground and surface water contamination in various locations

(Kumari et al. 2017; Rajkumar et al. 2010). Several studies have found that groundwater

near or adjacent to dump sites is more prone to contamination. One example is the

findings of (Oyelami et al. 2013; Saarela 2003; Abd El Salam and Abu-Zuid 2015), who

reported adverse effects of dumpsite leachate on surface and groundwater in their

respective studies. Sources of information

The data for this study came from peer-reviewed studies on the delineation and impact

of pollution on groundwater quality. This was accomplished by taking into account

studies on leachate contamination using geophysical methods as well as

physiochemical analyses of groundwater caused by dumpsites/landfills. There were

twenty-one (21) peer-reviewed studies used. The cited studies are from various

locations and countries with varying hydrogeological conditions and types of

dumpsites/landfills. The metal index (MI) relationship was used to assess the drinking

water quality in each of the study areas. Tamasi and Cini created the formula (2004).

Geophysical information

This section of the research aims to review studies that used geophysical methods to

investigate the level and extent of groundwater contamination caused by leachate

generated at various dumpsites. The authors used geophysical methods such as

geoelectrical resistivity, electromagnetic conduction, and refraction seismic to delineate

leachate pollution. According to Afolayan et al. (2004), the above geophysical

techniques could provide information on the depth to bedrock, the extent of saturation

due to contamination, and the porosity of the materials. Data analysis is an important

part of geophysical research and can take the form shown below for an investigation

using the electrical resistivity method. A preliminary interpretation of the initial resistivity

and thickness values of the various geo-electric layers at each VES point or location

was performed at the end of each geophysical survey using Schlumberger electrical

array. Resist software was used to iterate these geoelectric parameters (Vander Velpen

2004). On VES data, the partial curve matching technique was used, and various

layered models were revealed. Olafisoye et al. (2013), for example, discovered a 3-

layered model in their research. The geo-electric section demonstrated the vertical

variation of subsurface lithology in relation to resistivity values. The area is made up of

three to five layers of topsoil, laterite, Peat, dry sand, and sandstone. The geo-section

revealed that profiles 1 and 2 had low resistivity values of 16.4-36.0m with a depth of

4.6-5 m, indicating the presence of leachate pollution in VES 1 and 2 that can directly

infiltrate into groundwater via the highly porous and permeable (aquiferous) sandstone

in the subsurface layer. The over-limit ratios of heavy metals with their pollution index

were calculated using WHO (2011), water quality standards, and an over-limit ratio

value greater than one indicates slight contamination, according to Zhaoyong et al.

(2015). Over-limit ratios of Mn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Fe, and Cd were found in the majority of the

water samples tested. were greater than one, rendering the water samples unfit for

drinking, while only Cu and Zn had values that were within the allowable limit.

Conclusion:
The studies revealed that any or a combination of two or more of the following

geophysical methods could delineate leachate plume contamination caused by a

dumpsite: electrical resistivity, electromagnetic induction using very low frequency, and

seismic refraction. The use of integrated geophysical techniques to determine different

subsurface structural properties has greatly aided in the characterization and consistent

description of the subsurface. This is critical in studying the leachate contaminant

migration pathway.

This manner without any proper Engineered lining, the leaching process contaminates

groundwater. According to the literature review, open landfills have an impact on

groundwater quality. As a result, proper precautions must be taken to avoid

contamination and create sustainable groundwater. Some of the remediation measures

to avoid this impact on groundwater include:

1) Use the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) formula to reduce waste generation.

2) Waste segregation at the point of generation is effective in waste reduction and

waste management.

3) Using engineered landfills will prevent groundwater, soil, and air contamination.

4) Adequate awareness should be raised about waste disposal and its impact on

groundwater, which is harmful to both living and non-living beings.

5) Reducing the hazards by treating leachate with appropriate methods such as

biological methods, anaerobic lagoons, activated sludge processes, nanoparticles, and

adsorption methods.
This study discovered a number of pollutants in groundwater near dumpsites or landfills

as a result of leachate leakage, with the presence of these pollutants contaminating the

latter. The consumption of such water is hazardous to human health. The study also

revealed that the age of the dumps and the migration distance of the leachate are

important factors to consider because the closer the dumpsite, the higher the

contaminant concentration. Finally, it has been established that leachate leakage from

dumpsites is a major source of groundwater pollution, with organics, salts, and heavy

metals as pollutants.

REFERENCES:

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-022-01653-z

Link: https://www.irjet.net/archives/V9/i4/IRJET-V9I437.pdf

Link: https://www.ijert.org/review-paper-on-assessment-of-groundwater-quality-in-open-

landfill