DETERMINATION OF CHEMICAL AND GROSS ORGANIC POLLUTANT LEVELS IN LEACHATES FROM APPROVED WASTE DUMPSITES, PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study was aimed at the determination of chemical and gross organic pollutants levels in leachates from some selected and government approved dumpsites in Port Harcourt metropolis. Leachates from the 3-selected dumpsites were analyzed and compared with the seasons, controls and established standards using descriptive statistical designs. Integrated samples were collected during both wet and dry seasons and analyzed for DO, BOD, ORP, Salinity and pH. The use of 2-way ANOVA, t-test, graphs and mean variation were applied to explain trend and variations. The results show that there was no significant difference in temporal dimension (seasonally) but high level spatial variation (stations) in most parameters occurred. Most chemical/ gross organic pollutants showed higher level concentrations during the dry season. Though some of the parameters were relatively low compared to standard limits; the study revealed that these dumpsites remain major polluting sources to the surrounding surface and ground water regimes. In order to recover these dumpsites from acute contamination, state government should ensure the use active remediation processes and treatment to reduce the effects of pollution to the ecosystem.