Investigation of Contamination Plumes at Mechanic Road, Bosso Waste Disposal Site Geophysical and Geochemical Approach.

Abstract

Geophysical survey involving electrical resistivity method, soil sampling analysis and hydrochemical was conducted around Mechanic road dump site in Bosso, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria with the aim to assess the degree and extent of impact of the waste dump site on the quality of the groundwater in the study area. Thirty Vertical Electrical Sounding survey were carried out in Mechanic road, Bosso, Bosso local government area of Niger state. The schlumberger array with a maximum electrode spread of 80 m was employed in all the points. Results from the sounding data indicates that the area is generally underlain by three to four geoelectric sections which include top soil, Sandy clay, weathered basement, and Fresh basement. Based on the result obtained the fractured and the weathered basement makes the aquiferous zone within the study area. The resistivities of these zones vary from 12.7 to 475.2Ωm, while the thickness varies from a value of 0.9 to 7.8 m. Depth to this zone varies from 0.9 to 8.6 m. The result of water analysedin this area is found to be contaminated by Lead, Chromium and Cadmium with level of contamination exceeds WHO regulated guidelines. The results of soil analysed also indicated that the soils collected in this survey were contaminated by Cd, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr.