Characterization of Leachates Compositions from a Solid Waste Landfill in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Characterization of leachates composition from solid waste dumpsite in Port Harcourt, has been studied. Integrated samples of leachate were collected during wet and dry seasons and analyzed for pH, suspended solid, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand ammonia, nitrate, sulphate and trace metals. Leachates were alkaline and amber in appearance. Analyses of sample revealed variation during wet and dry periods, respectively in turbidity (80 and 140 FTU), (211.6 and 140 mg L 1), BOD (1990 and 677.0 mg L 1). Mean concentrations of SS (177.9 mg L 1), BOD (795.0 mg L 1). Nitrate (0.50 mg L 1) and sulphate (84.0 mg L 1) meet acceptable limits recommended by regulatory bodies in Nigeria. Iron predominates and total metals concentration (175.8 mg L 1) regulatory lime of 3 mg L 1. The ratio of BOD/COD ranged from 0.11-0.40. Therefore, physiochemical and / or biological method are required to treat leachates before they are discharged into environment at the dumpsite to either eliminate, or drastically reduce short and long term detrimental effects on ecology, public health and the environment.