Characterization of Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil from Three Municipal Solid waste Dumpsites in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Characterization of physical and chemical properties of soil from three municipal solid waste dump sites was conducted in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from three (3) municipal solid waste dumpsites; Opolo (L1), Mechanic village (L2), and Kpansia (L3), along side natural soil (control-P0) in triplicates. Physico-chemical properties and heavy metal contents of the experimental sites were examined. This study revealed that soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and electrical conductivity recorded higher contents (P< 0.05) at the dumpsites than the natural soil (control). Exchangeable acidity were lower at the dumpsites than the natural soil, while heavy metals contents were higher at the dumpsites than the natural soil, however, their proportions were within the permissible levels by WHO. Therefore, this study showed that the soil nutrient status and the general soil conditions at the dumpsites were adequate for optimum agricultural productivity.