OVIA NORTHEAST

With Nigeria generating over 42 million tonnes of waste annually, improper disposal poses significant risks to soil health, groundwater, and public health. This study examines the contamination levels of heavy metals and the physicochemical properties of soil at a solid waste disposal site in Ovia Northeast, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at varying depths (10, 20, 30, and 40 cm) from a dumpsite and a control site, focusing on lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), alongside properties such as pH, bulk density, porosity, organic matter, and electrical conductivity (EC). Results revealed elevated levels of heavy metals at the dumpsite compared to the control site, particularly in the top 10 cm of soil. For example, Pb concentrations reached 12.31 mg/kg at the dumpsite, nearly three times higher than the 4.24 mg/kg observed at the control. Similarly, copper (Cu) levels at the dumpsite peaked at 74.22 mg/kg, significantly higher than the control site’s 57.47 mg/kg. Physicochemical properties demonstrated a strong influence on metal mobility: soil pH at the dumpsite ranged from 7.12 to 7.62, slightly higher than the control’s 6.86 to 6.12. Organic matter content decreased with depth, from 8.74% at the surface to 3.15% at 40 cm in the dumpsite, compared to 9.07% to 2.54% in the control. EC values were markedly higher at the dumpsite (252–290 µS/cm) compared to the control (144–168 µS/cm), reflecting leachate infiltration and ion enrichment. The findings underscore the environmental risks posed by heavy metal contamination, including soil degradation, reduced fertility, and potential bioaccumulation in the food chain. Elevated metal concentrations exceeded WHO permissible limits, necessitating immediate remediation actions. Recommendations include the implementation of sustainable waste management practices, soil remediation techniques such as phytoremediation, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate long-term environmental impacts.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of dumpsite on environmental quality in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area. To guide the study three research questions were raised. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study was made up of all residents and shop owners in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area and the sample of this study comprised of 100 respondents drawn from the population. The research instrument used was a questionnaire validated by experts. The data collected were analyzed using the descriptive analysis of simple percentages and frequency counts. Some of the findings of the study include; the people in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area have favorable attitude towards dumping of waste. And the perceived effects of dumpsite on the health of people in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area are disease/headaches, breeding ground for disease vectors, contaminated water and odour/ smell. Based on the findings some of the recommendations include; Governments have to set strict regulations in order to prevent illegal dumping. Government should ensure proper management and construction of dumpsites