Assesement of Leachate Migration Pathways into Groundwater in Proximity of Waste Disposal Sites: Case Study of Selected Dumpsites in Kaduna Metropolis using Resistivity Method

The research examined the extent of pollution in groundwater from leachate generated at selected dumpsites in Kaduna Metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria, using electrical resistivity and water-quality analyses. Twelve (12) Vertical Electrical Sounding measurements were taken in three areas of interest [Unguwan Shanu, Unguwan Dosa, and Malali extension], with four measurements per site (i.e., downstream, upstream, 10m away from the dumpsite, and one within the residential area serving as a control) using the Schlumberger array technique. The results were interpreted both quantitatively and qualitatively using the IX1D software. From the computer output, there are indications of contamination in Malali extension VES 2 (layer 2) and Unguwan Dosa Dumpsite VES 2 (layer 2). Still, the leachate in Unguwan Shanu Dumpsite VES 2 (layer 2) is minimal compared to the other two areas. At the same time, there is no pollution in Unguwan Shanu Dumpsite VES 3, Unguwan Dosa Dumpsite VES 3, and Malali Extension VES 3. The stratigraphy at the dumpsite consists of Topsoil, Laterite, Peat (Leachate contaminated layer), Clay, Weathered Basement and Fresh Basement, which shows that the dumpsite is situated on partly aquiferous materials that are porous and permeable and may aid the free flow of Leachates into the groundwater.