Geophysical and Physico-Chemical Evaluation of Leachate Plumes and Groundwater Pollution in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

A geophysical research was carried out in parts of Minna which includes Rafin-Tofa, FM maitumbi and Albishiri respectively to determine the extent of groundwater contamination through the infiltration of the leachate plume. Three methods were adopted and their results were correlated. The Vertical Electrical Sound (VES) indicates the area is characterized by 3-layers, H-type curve with low resistivity values >100 Ohm-metre, (Ωm) on the 2-layer. The 2D results also correlates with the VES results with Albishiri zone showing more migration of the leachate plume at station 140 to 150 with resistivity value ranging from 9.0 - 33.0 Ωm and depth of 3.0 m   -25.0m. The water sample results from Fm-maitumbi and Albishiri revealed pH range of 6.65 – 6.92 which is within the WHO (6.5 - 8.5) standard for drinking. The Electrical Conductivity (EC) showed a high EC range from 571-926.8 μS/cm which is above WHO standards for EC value which should not exceeded 400 μS/cm. The high EC value observed which could be as a result of the migration of the leachate plume. The (TDS) values range from 169.3 - 454.1 mg/l which was within WHO standard. The turbidity of Albshiri1 and Albishiri Control showed values above 1 NTU such as 11 NTU and 45 NTU respectively, which is not ideal according to WHO standard and FM-maitumbi showed values below the recommended value which ranged from, 0.75-0.95 NTU. The Nitrate level 2.6 -5.5 mg/kg was below WHO standard of 50 mg/l. The heavy metals tested were Iron (Fe), Zinc...