Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metals Contents in Selected Dumpsites in Afikpo, Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The physiochemical parameters and heavy metals contents in refuse waste soils of selected dumpsites in Afikpo, Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, Nigeria were investigated using standard analytical methods. The results showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the temperature and moisture contents of the samples in all the sites. However, the pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, total organic matter, phosphate (PO₄^3-), sulphate (SO₄^2-), nitrogen and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) varied significantly (P < 0.05) from one site to another and were always higher in the dumpsites compared to the control sites. The results also indicated that the mean values of Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, and Pb varied significantly (P < 0.05) from one site to another and were always higher in the dumpsites compared to the control sites. In all cases, Mgbo dumpsite had the highest mean contents for all the metals followed by Amuro dumpsite, while Amaizu dumpsite had the least mean values for Cu, Ni and Mn only, Amaechara dumpsite had the least values for Zn, Fe and Pb only. These results showed anthropogenic input of heavy metals in the dumpsites and their ecological risks implications in biodiversity were discussed.