Quality Evaluation of Soil and Groundwater for Sustainable Application, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed at evaluating the quality of soil and groundwater for sustainable application. Samples comprising 16 groundwater from existing boreholes (BH) and hand dug wells (HDW), as well as 22 soils from ten sampling points (SS1-SS10) at depth interval of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm respectively, were collected for the study following standard methods. Physicochemical, bacteriological and heavy metals (Cadmium, Nickel, Vanadium, Chromium (mg/L), were measured. Contamination Factor (CF) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were determined in the soil samples. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis at P < 0.05 significance level. The results obtained showed that Turbidity ranged from 1.36 to 11.66 mg/L; pH (2.30-6.20); TDS (248.75-262.50 mg/L); E. coli (1.88-3.75 MPN); Coli count (13.00-43.00 MPN); Cadmium (0.02-0.04 mg/L); Nickel (0.04 – 0.08 mg/L) and Vanadium (0.02 – 0.05 mg/L) in BH and HDW, respectively. Contamination Factor (CF) results ranged from 1.08 -3.22 indicating that the soils were moderately to highly pollute. Pollution load index (PLI) range of 2.0-2.15 and CF values of 1.08 -3.22 confirmed that the soils in and around Osubi dumpsite were moderately to highly contaminate. Cadmium and Lead in sample code SS8 and SS7 respectively were the dominant heavy metal present in the soils. Overall, the results obtained compromised national and international regulatory standard appropriated by World Health Organization (WHO), and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). Stringent policy formulation and enforcement is required to safeguard the quality of soil for agriculture and groundwater protection the study area.