Groundwater quality assessment at Olusosun landfill, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

An assessment of the groundwater quality at the Olusosun landfill in Lagos, Nigeria was conducted to determine interactions between the landfill wastes and the groundwater and the potential migration of pollutants into the neighbouring communities. Groundwater samples were collected from four locations within the landfill bi-weekly for three months (March 19, 2013 to May 28, 2013), and analysed for water quality parameters and metals. The results indicated that the concentrations of some metals (Cr, Fe, Cd, Mn, and Co) and other water quality parameters in some sampling locations were slightly above the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) standard limits. Lead was also detected in the groundwater samples, though at concentrations within the standard limits. Conclusively, the Olusosun landfill has impaired groundwater quality, thereby, posing environmental and human health concerns to the neighbouring communities of Oregun, Ketu and Ojota.