Effect of Waste Dump on the Quality of Ground Water in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State

Abstract

Physicochemical parameters of some of selected ground water samples from Bassa Area were analyzed for temperatures, pH, turbidity conductivity, cadmium, sulphate, manganese, lead, cadmium, iron and zinc. Three samples each were collected at major dump sites and from distance 2 km away from dump sites. The samples were analysed using standard procedures. The results of the analysis indicated a higher level of the predictors at major dumpsites with the exception of chloride and sulphate which are relatively higher in samples distance 2 km away from dumpsites. The total hardness at major dumpsite were above the WHO permissible limits, with a mean concentration of 281.6 ±6.24 mg/L. Lead and cadmium levels in samples at major dumpsites and distance 2km away from dumpsites were also above the WHO permissible limits. The mean concentration of lead and cadmium were 0.34±0.05 mg/L and 0.86±0.08 mg/L at dumpsite respectively and 0.29±0.04 mg/L for cadmium at distance 2 km away from dumpsite. The presence of these toxic metals in the water is a health signal and requires urgent attention to avoid toxicity.