This study characterizes the leachates quality of an active dumpsite in Warri, Delta State and also analyses its contamination or pollution potential. Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) -a tool for quantifying pollution potential of leachates generated from dumpsites -has been used to quantify the leachates contamination potential of the dumpsite. The LPI values for the different sample locations L1, L2 and L3 were computed to be 5.69, 6.18 and 5.89 respectively with a mean value of 5.80, while the control had a value of 4.82. These LPI values were also compared with the LPI standard (7.38) for treated leachates. Comparison of the mean LPI value (5.80) with the standard (7.38) indicated a relatively low contamination potential of the leachates. Moreover, it was observed that the concentration of the individual parameters of the leachates is quite variable. The organic strength (BOD 5 divided by COD) of the dumpsite was less than 0.5, while the pH values indicated that all sample locations in terms of age was mature, an indication of dumpsite stabilization. The study recommends continuous monitoring of leachates and upgrade to an engineered landfill to forestall possible pollution problems in future. ©JASEM

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Abstract:The assessment of water quality for irrigation was carried out on the Antau river and surrounding wells in Keffi. Samples were collected along the river course; 150m apart using standard methods and at five different points using the grab technique. Also, samples were collected from wells in the study area. The colorimetric and titrimetric methods were used for water sample analysis. These methods were used to determine the presence of several elements in the different water samples used for agricultural purposes. Electrical conductivity, pH, nitrate, boron, temperature, total nitrogen, sulphate, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and adjusted sodium adsorption ratio (Adj. SAR) were determined for the samples. The values of the parameters were compared with recommended standards. A comparative analysis was carried out between river and well water. The high value of total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity were indications of the presence of high amount of salts in water. Bicarbonates concentration was low in the study area with mean values of 0.6075 and 0.0153 for river Antau and wells, respectively. Low values of 0.0054 -0.0283 (Antau river) and 0.0216 -1.4257 (well) of boron were obtained in this study. The water from the Antau River and wells were classified using sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and electrical conductivity as stated by salinity hazards United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as bad, marginal, moderate and good water. On the whole, well water was better than the Antau River but both sources of water can be used for agricultural purposes.

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Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are widely used as plasticizers. However, they have the potential to migrate from plastic materials into the environment where they pose detrimental health impacts. Hence, they have gained wide attention. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the distribution and health risk assessment of PAEs in different bottled drinking water brands in Delta State, Southern Nigeria. Samples were collected from ten (10) bottled drinking water brands across eight (8) local government areas of the State. The 6-EPA controlled PAEs (DMP, DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP and DNOP) and one uncontrolled PAEs (BEP) were investigated. The individual PAE concentrations ranged from 0.005 – 2.738 µg/L while the total concentration of PAEs in the different brands ranged from 0.023 - 4.361 µg/L. The predominant PAEs across the ten brands were DMP and BEP however DBP had the highest total concentration (4.392 μg/L) making it the main contributor to PAE levels in bottled drinking water brands. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference in the concentration of PAEs detected in the different bottled drinking water brands (p˃0.05). Health risk assessment indicated little non-carcinogenic risks from five controlled PAEs and little carcinogenic risk from DEHP. Continuous monitoring is however recommended to ensure than PAE levels in bottled drinking water remain within permissible limits. Our results therefore provides important information for the understanding of the distribution and potential health risks of PAEs in different bottled drinking water brands in Delta State.