Physico-Chemical Quality of Boreholes Waters at the Municipal Waste-Dumping Sites in Potchefstroom-South Africa

Abstract

Abstract-In this study, water samples were collected from a borehole upstream of the Sewage Purification Plant (SPP) and from three boreholes at the municipal dumping sites in Felophepa near Potchefstroom and analyzed with consideration of parameters such as pH, conductivity, temperature, turbidity, metal ions and chemical oxygen demand (COD). There was a concern with regard to the quality of water which contained toxic metals such as uranium and lead, relatively high values of turbidity, TDS and COD especially at the sampling point C located in the landfill site at Felophepa. The control sample which was the water from the borehole upstream of the SPP was less polluted, while the sample from point C was the more polluted. Such investigation is encouraged to predict ground water pollution and give feedback to the municipality for proper management of the solid waste disposal at the Felophepa waste dumping site.