Full Length Research

Subsurface probe and hydrochemical analysis for the purpose of siting waste landfill

O. M. Alile¹*, S. I. Jegede² and R. E. Emekeme³

¹Department of Physics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

²Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

³Delta State University Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: owenalile@yahoo.co.uk.

Accepted 25 November, 2009

Abstract

This paper deals with the probing of the subsurface by electrical resistivity method and hydrochemical analysis for the purpose of siting waste landfill. The landfill design made provision for secured containment of the segregated waste and associated leachate from man and industrial activities. The waste types that are disposed of in the landfill are mainly domestic and non-hazardous industrial wastes. The hydrochemical analysis of the surface/groundwater and geophysical exploration were carried out at Egbeleku landfill dump site in Delta state. Two vertical electrical sounding (VES) locations around the waste landfill were carried out. Both VES have a total cumulative thickness of 94.10 and 71.90 m with resistivities of 263.00 and 274.00 ohm-m, respectively. The hydrochemical analysis of the groundwater samples collected at boreholes within the waste landfill site environ was analyzed for physio - chemical parameters to test for water quality. In this study, the geophysical investigation revealed the presence of aquifer layer and the tendency of groundwater pollution but appropriate installation of a well-designed basal lining system to monitor groundwater quality through well-placed monitoring boreholes are determined.

Key words: Dc, resistivity, interpretation, hydrochemical, waste landfill.