Assessment of Ground Water Quality and Impact on Health in Open Waste Disposal Site of Damaturu, Yobe State Nigeria.

Abstract

This study assessed the spatial relationship between open dumpsites and groundwater contamination in Damaturu Metropolis, Yobe State, Nigeria. The aim was to evaluate the influence of open solid waste disposal sites on the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of groundwater sources located in their vicinity. eleven open dumpsites and eleven nearby groundwater sampling locations were selected for the study using purposive sampling techniques. Geographic Positioning System (GPS) was used to obtain the coordinates of the sampling locations, while Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were employed to analyse the spatial distribution of the dumpsites and groundwater sources through buffer zone analysis. Groundwater samples were analyzed for selected physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, hardness, cadmium, nickel and other relevant parameters, as well as bacteriological parameters comprising Total Viable Count (TVC) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The laboratory results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) guidelines. The results indicated variations in groundwater quality among the sampled locations. Bacteriological analysis showed the presence of E. coli in some sampling locations, with the highest contamination recorded at Nayinawa (Sabon Fage), indicating faecal contamination associated with leachate infiltration from nearby dumpsites. Spatial analysis revealed that groundwater sources located within the closest buffer zones to the dumpsites exhibited higher contamination levels than those farther away. The study concludes that the proximity of groundwater sources to open dumpsites significantly influences groundwater quality and poses potential public health risks. The study recommends the establishment of sanitary landfills, continuous groundwater quality monitoring, improved waste management practices, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations to protect groundwater resources in Damaturu Metropolis.