TRACE ELEMENTS ANALYSIS AND CONTAMINATION DEGREE OF SOILS AFFECTED BY MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTES

Dumpsites are potential sources of soil contamination as a result of the migration and proliferation of leachate produced through the decomposition of municipal solid wastes (MSW). The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent of soil contamination within and around the vicinity of an open dumpsite located within Ago-iwoye of Ogun State, Nigeria. The study utilizes the geochemical technique of ICP-MS and quantitative index of contamination degree and factor (Cdeg/Cf) to determine trace element concentration in the soils nearby the dumpsite, and the overall level of geochemical contamination. Seven dumpsite soil samples were analyzed for twenty (24) trace elements such as La, Cr, Ba, Sc, Ti, Se, Ga, Mo, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Ni, Co, Mn, As, U, Au, Th, Sr, Cd, Sb, Bi and V. Assessment of trace element contaminants in the soil samples using the laboratory and quantitative techniques showed that the areas around the vicinity of the dumpsite have been moderately polluted with some heavy metals such as selenium, lead and Zinc. The study raises both epidemiological and environmental concerns over the siting of the dumpsite, and concludes with recommendations for changes in the pattern of local waste management in the area of study.