ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF OPEN DUMPING ON GROUNDWATER IN WARRI SOUTH LGA, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) poses a significant environmental challenge globally, and Nigeria is no exception. As a consequence of economic development and rapid industrialization, Delta state in Nigeria has experienced a substantial increase in population density and urbanization, leading to a significant rise in MSW generation. The prevailing waste management method in the region is open dumping, primarily due to financial constraints and inadequate waste management practices. Although open dumping is cost-effective for MSW disposal, it results in the acceptance of a wide range of solid and liquid wastes from various sources, including industrial, household, agricultural, medical, and commercial establishments. Consequently, these dumping sites become repositories for a diverse array of contaminants, such as inorganic chemicals, toxins, detergents, complex organic chemicals, metals, and even hazardous substances from gasoline spills and other toxic waste materials.The uncontrolled microbial activity within these dumping sites further exacerbates the problem, potentially releasing additional toxic elements that were not initially present in a free or reactive form in the waste. The presence of such hazardous components not only poses a direct threat to human health but also endangers the surrounding environment. The current waste management practices in Delta state do not adhere to acceptable sanitary landfilling practices, leading to severe environmental consequences. Addressing the challenges associated with MSW management in Delta state requires urgent attention and effective strategies. This study aims to investigate the environmental impact of open dumping and propose sustainable waste management alternatives to mitigate the adverse effects. By exploring innovative waste management techniques, such as landfill engineering, waste segregation, recycling, and resource recovery, the study seeks to promote circular economy approach and minimize the ecological footprint of MSW management.