Effect of Waste Dumpsites on Water and Air Qualities in Abakaliki, Southestern Nigeria

An experiment was conducted in Abakaliki Urban to evaluate the effect of the waste dumpsites on air and water qualities. Four replicate water samples were collected from: A – Rain water at CAS Campus (Control- Non-dumpsite); B – River near rice mill waste dumpsite; C – River near domestic waste dumpsite; D – River near timber waste dumpsite. The samples collected from these locations were taken to laboratory for analyses of selected heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and Cr). Similarly, air was monitored every month for a period of four months for the following gases; NO2, CO, NH3, H2S using portable gas monitors in each of the following sites: A – Non-dumpsite at CAS Campus (control); B – Rice mill waste dumpsite; C – Domestic waste dumpsite; D – Timber waste dumpsite. With exception of Zn and Cr which were non-significant, there was a significant (p<0.05) change among the different rivers near the dumpsites in concentrations of Cu, Cd and Pb. Control recorded the lower values of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and Cr than the rivers near dumpsites. There was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the concentration of CO, H2S and NO2 and a non-significant (p<0.05) change in NH3 in the dumpsites studied. Also, the atmospheric environment of the dumpsites had a higher concentrations of CO, H2S, NO2 and NH3 than rain water at CAS campus. With the exception Cd and Pb, these pollutants lie within the acceptable level recommended by World Health organization. This work recommended that a better method of waste management such as reuse, recycling and incineration should be adopted in Abakaliki in managing their wastes in order to improve water and air qualities.