Comparative study of Leachate Characterization: Implication for Sustainable Environmental Management

Abstract

Understanding the sources of environmental stressors, the role of geology, climate, and technology would provide a guide to solving the problems posed by such stressors. The study examines the sources and characterization of wastes at Ikhueniro open dumpsite in Benin City, Nigeria. This will assist in the adequate design of a managerial scheme to tackle the menace posed by leachate on geoenvironment while considering the role of geology, climate, and technology. The key objectives are to carry out field study, characterize wastes in the dumpsite, and collect raw leachate emanating from the wastes heap to determine its chemistry with established scientific techniques. The results obtained show a pH value of 7.7, BOD5/COD of 0.66 mg/L, and ammonia value of 64 mg/L; these indicate that the dumpsite is young. Furthermore, the value of 3500 mg/L COD obtained in the study indicates that the leachate cannot be discharged into the environment unless treated. By comparison with previous studies, it was observed that climate, geology, and technology are some key factors influencing the prevalence of leachate in the environment. It is recommended that dumpsites should be well designed to collect raw leachate from the source and be treated before discharging into the environment. It is further recommended that improving solid waste management through grassroots education and public awareness of the consequences of environmental mismanagement through media houses and social forums as well as funding of research geared towards specific wastes management should be adopted.