Physico-Chemical and Geochemical Analysis of Major Waste Dumpsite in Ikere-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Ikere-Ekiti, a fast-developing town in southwestern Nigeria, hosts a major waste dumpsite that may serve as a source of heavy metal pollution, organic matter degradation, and groundwater contamination. A total of twenty (20) soil samples from five waste dumpsites within and outside the dumpsite were collected for this study at a depth of 60cm below the ground. The soil samples were collected at random interval from the centre to the outskirt of the study area. The chemical parameters like cations concentrations were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer method (AAS). The anions were determined by the digestion method of the soil. The hydro-chemical analysis of water samples was carried out. The concentration level of cations and anions vary for each of the dumpsites when compared to their control points. The analysis of water quality parameters indicates that while the pH levels of all samples fall within the recommended range for drinking water, several other parameters exceed their respective limits.These findings suggest that the soil in this dumpsite has experienced significant heavy metal and anion accumulation from waste materials. The fifth dumpsite exhibits notable contamination, especially with heavy metals buildup of (Pb, Cd, Cr, As), excess anions, and nutrient imbalances, indicating serious environmental pollution risks.