Assessment of Quality Status of Soils Around Dumpsites in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Iji JO, Mokuolu OA, Abdulkadir TS, Oluwaseun OV
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
Pathogenic microorganisms in solid waste can be introduced into the environment when improperly managed. This study evaluates the microbiological and physicochemical properties of topsoil samples obtained from three municipal waste dumpsites and a dumpsite free area (control sample) all located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected on a spot at depth range of 15-30 cm for laboratory analyses which included measurements of temperature, pH, moisture content and microbiological population. The pH values of the samples ranged from 6.7 to 7.9. The temperature ranged from 26 oC to 28 oC which falls within the mesophilic range. The total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria population ranged from 1.8×105 cfu/ml to 5.8 × 105 cfu/ml for all the three dumpsites and 1.0×105 cfu/ml for the control. The specie of bacteria isolated from the soil samples from the dumpsites included Staphylococcus auerus, Streptococcus faecalis, Klebsiella aerogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgars and Micrococcus cuteus. Only Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus cuteus were dominant in the control. The total viable fungal population ranged from 1.0 × 104 cfu/ml to 2.6 × 104 cfu/ml for all the soil samples from the dumpsites and 1.1 × 104 cfu/ml from the control. The fungi isolated from the soil samples included Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolarifer, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenium and Alteruaria tenuis. Only Chrypsogspuss and Alteruaria tenuis were identified in the control. Presence of microorganisms in dumpsites around Ilorin metropolis suggests that environmental quality has been significantly affected as the soil sample showed high population of pathogenic microorganisms. Hence, remediation is suggested.
Affiliations: Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
Keywords: Dumpsites, Soil, Microbial Population, Environmental Quality, Solid Waste
Published date: 2020/06/30
