Nutrient Status of Leachates from Selected Dumpsites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the levels of available nutrient parameters present in leachates from some selected dumpsites in Port Harcourt metropolis. Leachates from the 3-selected dumpsites were analyzed and compared with the seasons, controls and established standards using descriptive and analytical designs. Integrated samples were collected during both wet and dry seasons and analyzed for NO3- PO43- , SO42- and NH4+. The use of 2-way ANOVA, t-test and mean variation were applied to explain trend and seasonal variations. The results showed that there was no significant difference in temporal dimension (seasonally) but there was a high level of spatial variation (stations) in most measured parameters. Though some of the parameters were relatively low compared to standard limits; the study revealed that these dumpsites remain major polluting and nutrient enriching sources to the ecosystem. In order to reclaim these dumpsites from acute contamination, government at all levels should ensure the introduction of active remediation processes alongside physico-chemical methods which can ameliorate the effects of pollution in the environment.