The Impact Of Mpape Dumpsite Solid Waste Leachate On Soil Quality, Abuja Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study examined the impact of dumpsite on soil and plant quality in Mpape,

Abuja FCT. The study employed both transect and quadrant techniques in collecting

soil and plant samples. The soil samples were taken in both rainy and dry season for

three months each at the depth of 0-30cm using soil auger. A total of forty-eight soil

sample and thirty-two plant samples were collected, totalling eighty samples in and

around Mpape Dumpsite and taken to Abuja Environmental Protection Board

(AEPB) laboratory in Asokoro Abuja and analyzed to determine the level of heavy

metals which included lead, mercury, iron, cadmium, silver and copper, using

standard measurements. The result from the laboratory analysis were subjected to :

statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance and paired sample t-test to determine

the mean diffe rence between the months, seasons and the mean difference between

the heavy metals concentration and FEPA limits. From the analysis there was high

concentration of heavy metals in Mpape Dumpsite in both raining and dry season.

Also, a substantial concentration of the heavy metal is found in the plant samples

responsible for the retardation in growth in fruits from the selected plants analyzed.