Soil Quality Analysis for Dumpsite Environment in a University Community in Nigeria

• C. O. Akinbile

  Department of Agricultural & Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

• F. O. Ajibade

  Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

• O. Ofuafo

  Department of Agricultural & Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Physicochemical analyses were carried out on soil samples from four different waste dumpsites in the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria to ascertain the effects of the refuse dumpsites on soil and groundwater qualities. Dumpsite locations are Physics Laboratory (PHY), Post Graduate Hostel (PG), School of Earth and Mineral Science (SEMS) and Staff Quarters (STQ). Soil samples collected at distances 0 (dumpsite), 10 and 20 m intervals away from the dumpsite were analyzed and at depths 10, 20 and 30 cm. Parameters determined include pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Phosphorus (P), Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), Organic Carbon (OC), Organic Matter (OM) and heavy metals such as Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) and subjected to relevant statistical analysis. Most of the parameters analyzed indicated pollution and were below the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) limits. P and Mg concentrations ranged from 1.19 to 1.25mg/kg and 3.17 to 13.61mg/kg respectively which indicated pollution. Out of heavy metals analyzed, Cu was 1.75mg/kg and Pb was not detected. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences at 95% level. The result showed that the soil samples were mildly polluted and therefore not suitable for crop production.

1. C. O. Akinbile, Department of Agricultural & Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

   Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

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