Contamination Assessment of Soil and Groundwater within and around Semicontrolled Solid Waste Dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

？This study is aimed at assessing the contamination status of soil and groundwater within and around solid waste dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Standard sampling and analytical procedures were followed. In order to assess heavy metal enrichment and degree of contamination in water and soil, analytical data were subjected to pollution calculation methods. Results of soil analysis from the dumpsites shows that apart from Cadmium which exceeds DRP (1991) recommended limits. All other elements are within these limits. In Aluu dumpsite, the soil is slightly contaminated with Co, moderately contaminated with Pb, severely contaminated with Ni, Cr, and Cu, very severely contaminated with Zn and Mn and slightly polluted with Cd. In Iwofe, the soils are slightly contaminated with Pb and Co, moderately contaminated with Ni and Mn, severely contaminated with Cu, very severely contaminated with Zn and slightly polluted with Cd. Results of PLI shows that all the soils are in good condition. Result of enrichment factor (EF) shows no enrichment for all the analyzed metals except Cd, which shows minor enrichment in all three dumpsites. The dumpsites in Iguruta, Iwofe and Choba in Port-Harcourt are associated with little negative effects on the soils and groundwater in the surroundings. This study also revealed that all the analyzed geochemical parameters including cations, anions and heavy metals in groundwater sources in the vicinity of three major dumpsite situated in Aluu, Igwuruta and Iwofe are low and within WHO (2011) and NIS (2007) recommended limits for potable drinking water. This study therefore suggested the need for treatment of the groundwater sources in the area with lime that can neutralize the amount of acid in the water. It is recommended that regular assessment of soil and groundwater quality be carried out for contaminant risk assessment.