Water quality and micro-organisms of leachate-contaminated pond

Abstract

The physical and chemical analyses of leachate and leachate-contaminated pond water were investigated. Leachate was observed to have significantly (P<0.05) high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH and alkalinity than water samples from the three stations of study. Dissolved oxygen (DO) level was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the leachate sample followed by station I, which is the major point of entry of leachate into the pond. DO in station I was not significantly lower (P>0.05) than DO levels recorded for stations I and II. This study has shown the possibility of leachate contamination of water bodies from near by waste dump sites. Leachate exerted negative impact on water quality parameters of the pond which were either elevated or reduced to acceptable but stressful levels for fish production especially in station I. Pond water was also found to be contaminated with micro-organisms, some of which have public health implications. There is a need for strict legislation on environmental waste management against the siting of waste dumps near water bodies. This will prevent the possible transfer of contaminants from leachate-polluted waters by fish to man.