Current Volume 9
Human Health Risk and Economic implications of Solid Waste Disposal Site Leachates on Groundwater Quality in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
This study assessed the human health risks associated with solid waste disposal site leachate on groundwater quality Groundwater and the economic implications. Samples were collected from three existing wells (boreholes) near the solid waste dumpsites and Water quality analysis was carried out according to APHA standards for physiochemical parameters and some heavy metals. The determination of human health risk of heavy metals daily consumption of the water by adults and children were also carried out. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the groundwater is predominantly "soft," with exceptionally low concentrations of calcium (2.002 to 0.418 mg/L) and magnesium (0.354 to 0.518 mg/L). Major ions such as sodium and chloride remain well within permissible. Significant aesthetic and toxicological concerns were identified. Iron (0.794–1.596 mg/L) and manganese (0.354–0.518 mg/L) concentrations significantly exceed desirable limits (0.3mg/L and 0.2 mg/L, respectively). More critically, the study detected hazardous levels of toxic heavy metals: Lead (0.094mg/L), Cadmium (0.021–0.072 mg/L), and Nickel (0.209mg/L) which drastically exceeded safe thresholds (0.01mg/L, 0.003mg/L, and 0.02mg/L, respectively). The study identify several economic impacts such as Escalating Healthcare Costs as result outbreaks of Waterborne Diseases, Exorbitant Private Water Sourcing, Loss of Economic Productivity and Increased Public Spending. The findings conclude that the groundwater in the study area is unfit for human consumption without specialized treatment to remove heavy metals. To mitigate groundwater pollution from dumpsite leachates, it is essential to implement stringent waste management policies that regulate landfill operations and prevent leachate infiltration into aquifers. The study emphasizes the urgent need for lined landfill systems and regular groundwater monitoring to mitigate anthropogenic contamination of vital water resources.
Keywords
Groundwater Quality, Human health, Risk, Heavy Metals, Dumpsite Leachate, Economic implication, NSDWQ, WHO Standards
Citations
IRE Journals:
Bealo Deebari Brownson, Ngbaa Nwebabari, Amachree Queen Dikibugerere, Bealo Lekie Meedubar "Human Health Risk and Economic implications of Solid Waste Disposal Site Leachates on Groundwater Quality in Port Harcourt, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 1751-1761 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718867
IEEE:
Bealo Deebari Brownson, Ngbaa Nwebabari, Amachree Queen Dikibugerere, Bealo Lekie Meedubar
"Human Health Risk and Economic implications of Solid Waste Disposal Site Leachates on Groundwater Quality in Port Harcourt, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718867
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