Dangerous Effects of the Municipal Solid Waste Dump in Lemna Calabar, on Soil and Groundwater

The deterioration of water quality and adverse soil conditions due to open waste dumping is a major environmental concern in Lema Road, Calabar, Cross River State. Poor waste management practices pose serious risks to soil, groundwater, and the health of nearby residents. The influence of the Lema refuse dumpsite on soil contamination and underground water pollution is examined in this present research. Using an ordered sampling technique, eight underground water and soil samples collected were examined using an oxygen meter, data logging spectrometer, a colony counter as well as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results showed that certain physicochemical parameters, including BOD (3–4.5 mg/l), pH (6.8–7.53), TDS (240–400 mg/l), temperature (20.1–27.4°C), and various metal concentrations, fell within World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. However, Total Alkalinity (640–1344 mg/L), Dissolved Oxygen (6.1–8.2 mg/L), and Chloride (174.99–584.98 mg/L) exceeded WHO limits, indicating contamination concerns. Microbial analysis revealed high total coliform (15–100 cfu/mL) and heterotrophic bacteria (110–152 cfu/mL), both surpassing WHO standards. Soil samples had a pH range of 7.38–7.62 and organic content between 1.75% and 4.9%. Variations in TDS and BOD were influenced by spatial positioning, while sulfate and total hardness were linked to the area’s geological composition. The findings highlight the health risks faced by residents due to microbial contamination and high chemical concentrations. Immediate remediation measures are necessary to mitigate the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases and long-term environmental hazards