Department of Soil Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
The impacts of municipal solid waste (MSW) on some soil parameters were examined in four-landfill locations in Benin City, the administrative headquarters of Edo State of Nigeria. MSW was found to significantly increase soil pH, organic matter, and total nitrogen, Ca, Mg, K and ECEC but not so with P, Na and exchange acidity. Also, some heavy metals like Ni, Zn, Pb, and Mn significantly increased over the control. The values of Zn in landfill soils exceeded the level (300mg kg−1) permissible under the European community Regulation. Sorting of MSW at the point of collection and lining of landfills are therefore recommended so as to prevent underground water contamination.
