INVESTIGATION OF LEACHATE PLUMES AND GROUNDWATER POLLUTION USING GEOPHYSICAL METHOD IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ABUJA, NIGERIA

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INVESTIGATION OF LEACHATE PLUMES AND GROUNDWATER POLLUTION USING GEOPHYSICAL METHOD IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract:

The disposal of solid waste in landfills is a common practice worldwide, but the potential environmental impact, especially concerning groundwater pollution from leachate migration, necessitates thorough investigation and monitoring. This research focuses on assessing leachate plumes and groundwater pollution in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria, utilizing geophysical methods to enhance spatial understanding and early detection.

The study begins with a comprehensive literature review, highlighting the global significance of landfill-related groundwater pollution and emphasizing the need for effective monitoring techniques. The chosen study area, the Federal Capital Territory, is characterized by rapid urbanization and increasing waste generation, making it a critical location for such investigations.

Geophysical methods, including Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), are employed to non-invasively explore the subsurface. ERT helps delineate variations in electrical resistivity associated with leachate migration, while GPR provides high-resolution images of subsurface structures and potential contamination plumes.

The objectives of this research include:

Mapping subsurface resistivity variations to identify potential leachate plumes.

Assessing the depth and lateral extent of groundwater contamination.

Correlating geophysical findings with hydrogeological parameters to understand the mechanisms of leachate migration.

Providing recommendations for sustainable landfill management and groundwater protection in the study area.

The anticipated outcomes aim to contribute valuable insights into the spatial distribution of leachate plumes and groundwater contamination in the Federal Capital Territory, aiding environmental planners, policymakers, and regulatory bodies in implementing effective strategies for sustainable waste management. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of geophysical methods as powerful tools for early detection and monitoring of environmental pollution.

Keywords: Geophysical Methods, Groundwater Pollution, Leachate Plumes, Environmental Monitoring, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Landfill Management, Sustainable Waste Management, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background

Landfills play a crucial role in the disposal of municipal solid waste, providing a common solution to the ever-increasing challenges associated with urbanization and population growth. However, the improper management of landfills poses significant environmental threats, with leachate migration being a primary concern. Leachate, a liquid formed by the percolation of rainwater through waste materials, has the potential to contaminate groundwater and, consequently, endanger public health. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, Nigeria, undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization, faces escalating challenges in waste management and environmental conservation.

Understanding the pathways and extent of leachate migration in landfills is essential for effective environmental management and the protection of groundwater resources. This research seeks to investigate leachate plumes and groundwater pollution in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, utilizing advanced geophysical methods. The application of these methods will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of potential contaminants, allowing for informed decision-making in sustainable waste management practices.

Domestic, commercial, and industrial activities all produce solid waste. Open dumps, wasteland farm contamination, ponds, contamination in rocks, and deep underground injection are only a few of the different ways that solid waste can be disposed of. The use of landfill systems as a means of waste disposal is frequently outside of what is generally advised. Due to the creation of leachate and its movement through waste, landfills are sources of groundwater and soil pollution. After some time, a dumpsite experiences biological, chemical, and hydrological processes that cause the waste to weather and, as a result, become a source of pollution. In the FCT, open dump has been the standard procedure.

In a recent study conducted by on geophysical, geotechnical and water quality investigations of Gosa dumpsite in Abuja, Nigeria to unravel the feasibility of upgrading it to a modern sanitary landfill, inversion results of VES-DC data revealed 3-4 geoelectric layers with the soils classified as well graded clayey-sand to silty-sand with permeability between 5.1 × 10 ????/???? and 1.1 × 10 ????/????, which makes the groundwater prone to leachate pollution. The physio-chemical parameters of the water were generally below the WHO-recommended value. It could be inferred that only the northern part of the area possesses the required geophysical and geotechnical characteristics for upgrading to a sanitary landfill. The high concentration of radioactive elements in the water revealed that the present dumping activities have negatively impacted the groundwater quality

This study is aimed at investigating leachate plume and groundwater pollution within an Open dumpsite at Idugosa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria using geophysical and physio-chemical Methods.

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is situated in the central parts of Nigeria, between latitudes 8° 25′ and 9 °25′ north and longitude 6° 47′ and 7 °40’ east. The location study area, Idugosa lies between 9° 03’N and 7° 34′ E with an elevation of 403.1 m and 9° 03’N and 7° 33’ E with an elevation of 394.1 m.

Abuja is bounded in the north by Kaduna state, in the west by Niger state, in the east by Nasarawa state and Kogi state in the south-west. The basement complex especially at the northcentral part is intruded by Mesozoic calc-alkaline ring complex rock referred to as younger granites, to differentiate them from much foliated, complex and deformed older granites.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The improper disposal of solid waste in landfills poses a significant environmental threat, particularly in regions experiencing rapid urban development such as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. As urbanization progresses, the potential for leachate migration and groundwater pollution increases, raising concerns about the long-term consequences on both environmental and public health. The need for a detailed investigation into the pathways and extent of leachate plumes in landfills is paramount for mitigating environmental degradation and ensuring the sustainability of groundwater resources in the FCT.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of this research are:

To employ geophysical methods, specifically Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), to map and delineate leachate plumes in landfills within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

To assess the depth and lateral extent of groundwater pollution resulting from leachate migration in the study area.

To correlate geophysical findings with hydrogeological parameters, providing insights into the mechanisms of leachate migration.

To propose recommendations for sustainable landfill management and groundwater protection based on the research findings.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This research holds substantial significance in the following ways:

It contributes to the body of knowledge on the environmental impacts of landfills and leachate migration in rapidly urbanizing areas, specifically in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The findings provide valuable insights for environmental planners, policymakers, and regulatory bodies in formulating effective strategies for sustainable waste management and groundwater protection.

The research showcases the applicability and effectiveness of geophysical methods in early detection and monitoring of environmental pollution, offering a model for similar studies in other regions.

1.5 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on selected landfills within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with a specific emphasis on mapping leachate plumes and assessing groundwater pollution using geophysical methods. The investigation encompasses the application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to achieve a detailed understanding of subsurface conditions associated with leachate migration.

1.6 Research Methodology

The research will adopt a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The primary quantitative methods involve geophysical surveys using ERT and GPR, coupled with the collection of hydrogeological data. Qualitative methods include a comprehensive review of relevant literature, enabling a contextual understanding of the global and local implications of landfill-related groundwater pollution.

1.7 Structure of the Thesis

The thesis is structured into distinct chapters to provide a logical progression of the research. Chapter Two presents an extensive review of relevant literature, exploring the global context of landfill impacts and the application of geophysical methods in environmental studies. Subsequent chapters detail the research methodology, findings, analysis, and conclusions, contributing to a holistic understanding of leachate plumes and groundwater pollution in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

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