FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

COUNCIL FOR THE REGULATION

OF ENGINEERING IN NIGERIA

WORK EXPERIENCE REPORT

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR REGISTRATION AS

REGISTERED ENGINEER

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

By: FASURU OLUMIDE SUNDAY

Application ID:
Phone: 08062928806
Email:[email protected] SEPTEMBER, 2020

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 Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE....................................................................................................................3

1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................3

1.1 SUMMARY OF ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION.....................................................4

CHAPTER TWO....................................................................................................................5

2.0 SUMMARY OF WORK EXPERIENCE.....................................................................6

CHAPTER THREE..............................................................................................................11
3.0 DETAILS OF ENGINEERING WORK EXPERIENCE......................................13
3.1.1 Project Particulars..............................................................................................13
3.1.2 Project description and Literature Review........................................................14
Methods and Materials, Results and Discussion
Challenges, Recommendation and Conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR................................................................................................................29
4.0 CONCLUSION...............................................................................................................
CHAPTER FIVE..................................................................................................................30
5.1 Endorsement....................................................................................................................
APPENDICES......................................................................................................................31
References and Design Drawings and Calculations

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

FASURU OLUMIDE SUNDAY was born on the 4 th April, 1988 in Ikare Akoko town of Ondo

State, Nigeria. I attended St. Thomas Children School, Ikare, Ondo State between 1994 and 2000. I

completed my secondary school education in Victory College, Ikare, Ondo State in the year 2006,

and later graduated with a Bachelor of Technology (Second Class Upper Division) in Agricultural

and Environmental Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State in

the year 2015. In addition, I also trained and got certified in Autodesk Inventor Engineering drawing

and Design. Upon my graduation till date, I have acquired experiences in the design, training,

teaching and examining at secondary school levels through lectures , tutorials and personal supervision.

Courses taught include; mathematics, physics and chemistry . Also have acquired relevant field

experience in the design and fabrication of agricultural equipments, routine maintenance on lathe

machines etc. During the course of work under my supervising engineer, I was exposed to

engineering contracts and the processes involved in tendering and bidding for an engineering

project.

The period after graduation till date has afforded me the opportunity to learn and improve overtime

the capacity to blend the theoretical and practical aspects of agricultural and environmental

engineering. I possess a broad range of technical and professional effectiveness as well as leadership

skills, using rigorous logical methods for decision making to effectively cope with the dynamic

nature of agricultural engineering projects, and was able to make the best use of available resources

and techniques. I am an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual who has a clear understanding

of the role and responsibilities associated with being an agricultural engineer.

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 1.1 SUMMARY OF ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE

Agricultural Engineering Courses: computer science, engineering

Second Class Upper Division mathematics, automotive service and
(Honour) maintenance, machine design, technical
15 Nov, 2010 - 10th Oct, 2015
th report writing, statics and dynamics, fluid
mechanics, transportation engineering,
thermodynamics, BASIC programming etc.

VICTORY COLLEGE IKARE

Secondary School Certificate 18th Sept 2000 – 8th Jun 2006

ST THOMAS NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL, IKARE

Primary School Leaving Certificate 16th Sept 1994 – 18th July 2000

SKILLS
 Proficient in Ms Office, HTML5, SPSS,
 Beginning knowledge of CSS, MatLab and Autodesk Inventor.

CHAPTER TWO

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2.0 SUMMARY OF WORK EXPERIENCE

EXPERIENCE
Suncrest Schools 2nd May 2017 – Present
Maintenance Engineer and Technical Drawing
Teacher

 Supervise daily safety checks, maintenance and repair works of 4 school buses
 Identify time required, materials and cost to effect repairs
 Initiated the discussion of, and developments in information and communication technology education.

Institute of Continuing Education (NYSC) 27th April 2016 to 26th April 2017
Mathematics Teacher

 Championed a community campaign that increased enrolment by 75 students within 10 months

 Created a Classroom based factors that supported and inhibited high-level mathematical reasoning which resulted
in an outstanding performance in external examinations.
 Recommended for NYSC Local Government service award by the institution management for my dedication and
contribution to the school development

Lagos State Government Rice Milling Factory, Imota. 21st Jul 2014 to 9th Jan 2015
Industrial Engineering Trainee

 Worked with a team of COREN registered Engineers to ensured optimal processing operation
 Mentored new industrial engineering trainee and introduced them to the production system
 Particularly interested in, and led the casual workers to ensure an eco-friendly disposal of rice husk

Deluxe Engineering and Machining, Akure 15th Jul 2013 to 20th Dec 2013
(Affiliated with the School of Engineering, FUTA)
Engineering Technician Trainee
 Designed and fabricated egg incubator and hot air circulation oven in support of academic programs
 Performed routine maintenance on lathe machines including changing and sharpening of tools and attachments
 Maintained good relationships with clients, other technicians, and stakeholders

PERSONAL ACTIVITIES
 Organised fund raising program to provide scholarship for 14 best students in mathematics as personal NYSC CDS
project in Institute of Continuing Education, Urhonigbe.
 Organised a free after school tutorials in Mathematics and English Language for secondary school students in
Urhonigbe. Taught 42 students mathematics.

LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES
Urhonigbe Environmental CDS Coordinator
 Provided feedback of the CDS weekly activities directly to the NYSC local Government Inspector.
 Initiated, planned and coordinated the group project, which resulted as the first constructed project in Urhonigbe
community by corps members.

CHAPTER THREE

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 3.0 DETAILS OF ENGINEERING WORK EXPERIENCE

3.1.1 Project Particulars

Project : Solid Waste Generation and Management System

(Project thesis Submitted in partial fulfillment of B.Tech Honours

degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering).

Client : Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering

Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State

Period : June 2015

3.1.2 Project description

INTRODUCTION

Soil is one of our most precious natural resources, providing a range of ecosystem functions and

services, while supporting huge biodiversity. Such functions and services include plant growth,

nutrient cycling, decomposition of organic matter, breakdown of pollutants, and carbon storage.

Soil, which is the third environmental resource on which we critically depend, in addition to water

and air, is an extremely thin and sensitive “skin” on the planet. Life has developed on this skin-like

layer, often only meters thick which is formed by the decomposition of rock and organic matter over

many years (Daniel, 1999). It has a property that varies from place to place with differences in

bedrock composition, climate, and other factors. Soil as a resource has always been there in huge

quantities and it is not until recently that it is clear that soil is a resource that we need to take care of,

protect and restore. Destruction of soil from different human activities like dumping of refuse on soil

is becoming and urgent problem to be addressed.

Municipal solid waste are useless, unwanted materials discharged as a result of human activity

which commonly may be solids, semi solids or liquids in containers thrown out of houses,

commercials or industrial premises. They are commonly called trash or garbage and include wastes

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such as durable goods,(tires, furniture); non-durable goods,( newspapers, plastics wrap); and other

wastes, (yard waste, food) (Agunwamba,1998). This waste are generally refers to as common

household wastes, as well as office and retail wastes but excludes industrial, hazardous and

construction wastes. The US EPA defined solid waste as “any useless, unwanted or discarded

material with insufficient liquid content to be free flowing”. The non-free flowing or sticky nature of

the solid waste gives rise to the accumulation of solid wastes on some habitable parts of the earth

surface, places with accumulated solid wastes are called “refuse dumps” but a designed place for

dumping of refuse is known as “dump site”. Soils intensively affected by human activities might

present special features such as mixed horizons, foreign materials and thin topsoil (Civeira and

Lavado, 2006). Normally these soils are poor in organic matter and fertility with reductions in their

most i1mportant physical properties, such as structural stability and water retention. Eventually,

these characteristics have detrimental effects on the soil by affecting plant growth (Vetterlein and

Hiittl, 1999; Scharenbroch et al., 2005).

3.1.1 Solid Waste Effect on the Environment

Waste on cultivated fields can undoubtedly improve soil fertility and provide crop nutrient needs of

farmers, but it can likely lead to negative and potentially harmful changes in soil physical and

chemical characteristics due to increasing toxicity (Ezeaku., et al 2003). Elevated concentrations of

these metals in soil may have adverse effects on crops, human and animal health when they are

taken up by crops and transferred up the food-chain or are leached to groundwater (Kabata-Pendias,

2004). However, the effect of waste disposal on soil-crop qualities is varied and dependent on the

composition of the waste (Ezeaku et al., 2003, Garcia et al, 2000, Gramatica. et al, 2006) and

character of the receiving soil. Hence, every area needs to be examined within its own context.

Though such waste contributes to urban pollution and health risks, yet it has great potential because

it can be exceedingly nutrient rich and can thus make it possible for the farmers to obtain a cheap

supply of nutrients while alleviating the waste disposal problem at the same time. There is however

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every reason to be concerned about the public health wastes can typically immobilize heavy metals

which eventually could find ways into human beings through the food chain processes (Silveira et

al., 2003; Okoronkwo et al., 2005). They pose a threat for health and also they may have long term

effect on environment

(Pattnaik and Reddy, 2009). In developing countries open dumpsites are common, due to the low

budget for waste disposal and non-availability of trained manpower. Open dumping of MSW is a

common practice in Pakistan. It also poses serious threat to groundwater resources and soil. The

contamination of soil by heavy metal can cause adverse effects on human health, animals and soil

productivity (Smith et al., 1996). Over the last many years, heavy metals have considerably

damaged the soil quality and fertility in consequence of increased environmental pollution from

industrial, agricultural and municipal sources (Adriano, 1986). Metals cause physiological disorders

in soils as absorption through root system consequently retards plant growth and deprives it of

vigour (Moustakas et al., 1994). Waste carries different metals which are then transferred to plants

by different ways (Voutsa et al., 1996). Depending on the tendency of the contaminants they end up

either in water held in the soil or leached to the underground water. Contaminants like Cd, Cu, Ni,

Pb and Zn can alter the soil chemistry and have an impact on the organisms and plants depending on

the soil for nutrition (Shaylor et al., 2009). Diversity of vegetation is directly influenced by soil

characteristics.

Solid waste pollutants serve as an external force affecting the physico-chemical characteristics of

soil ultimately contributing towards the poor production of vegetation (Papageorgiou, 2006). The

pollutants, in the first place, hinder the normal metabolism of plants which is an invisible injury and

owing to which the visible injury appears in the aftermath (Ahmed. et al., 1986). It is depriving our

ecosystem of the natural balance and bear result beyond any repair. Chemical properties of soil serve

as main reason of vegetation changes (Neave et al., 1994).

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In the dry season, when the waste is being burnt, it releases particulate matter such as ash, smoke,

dust and fumes that contain pollutant gases (oxides of nitrogen, sulphur and carbon) (Bhatia, 2009).

During the raining season, water that infiltrate through the solid wastes leach the constituents from

the decomposed mass and while percolating cause the subsurface to be contaminated by organic and

inorganic solutes (Teyariya and Sasectharam, 2010).

3.1.2 Objectives of the Research

The objectives of this study are to:

1. Determine the effect of solid waste on the physico-chemical property of the soil.

2. Evaluate the level of heavy metals in the soil.

3. Assess the effects of the changes of soil physio-chemical property on vegetation.

3.1.3 Justification of the Study

This study becomes significant because it evaluates the impact of solid waste on soil and vegetation

by determining the presence and concentrations of heavy metals in the dumpsite, since the levels of

heavy metals in this soil may adversely influence human health as vegetables and crop crops grown

in the polluted dumpsite are being consumed by domestic animals, and these domestic animals are

consumed by humans. Thus any toxic element in the waste that is absorbed by the plants can move

up the trophic level to man. In addition, It highlighted the unsightliness and unhealthy way of

disposing solid waste and proper recommendation was advised so as to help decision makers, city

planners and waste managers to propos proper waste disposal.

LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 SOILS AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE

A holistic approach to the role of soil in a sustainable environment was presented by Blum (1999).

He indicates several different soil functions. Here three ecological and three economic/technical

functions are enumerated. First the ecological functions:

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(i) Productivity. Soil is a base for the production of food, fodder and wood for pharmaceutics,

textiles, renewable energy, etc. The productivity of good soil provides 100-200 kg ha-1 day-1 of

biomass in central and northern Europe (Kowalik, 1994). All terrestrial ecosystems are dependent

upon the photosynthetic productivity of the vegetation.

(ii) Filtering. Soil filters water containing pollutants and binds several of these. Soil properties

strongly influences the water flux between the atmosphere and groundwater as well as the gas

exchange between terrestrial and atmospheric systems, including the carbon dioxide balance and

global warming mitigation. This is critical for the quality of drinking water and control of uptake of

elements from soil by plants, which influences the quality of food.

(iii) Habitat for microorganisms. Soil is a biological habitat and gene reserve, with a large variety

of soil organisms with more species in number and quantity than all other above-ground biota

together. Therefore soils are a main basis of biodiversity. Genes from soil become increasingly

important for many technological, especially biotechnological and bioengineering processes. One of

the examples is production of streptomycin from soil bacteria, discovered by Selman Waksman in

1944, and more recently many other pharmaceutics like production of chloramphenicol, tetracyclin

or cyclohexamidin by soil microorganisms. In addition to these three ecological functions of soils, it

has other functions linked to technical, industrial, and social uses.

(i) Infrastructure. Soil is a spatial base for different structures, like industrial premises, housing,

transport, sport, recreation, dumping of refuse, etc. This gives rise to considerable and irreversible

soil losses, counted in Austria to be about 20 ha of soil per day and in Germany about 120 ha per

day. A recent high soil consuming activity in many countries is the construction of highways.

(ii) Natural resource. Soil is a source of raw materials, e.g. clay, loam, sand, gravel, rocks, and

minerals in general. Recently soil has become an important source of water and is becoming more

often used as a reservoir and source of heat or cold.

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(iii) Landscape. Soil is related to the formation of the landscape, in which we live. It is an

important part of our cultural surrounding. Soils are important a geological and cultural heritage,

protecting many archaeological treasures of high value for understanding human history and

development. Sustainable use of soils is possible only if the six functions are harmonized by local

and national authorities, creating a policy of sustainable land use.

The soil environment is a gift of nature and should be protected just like natural forests or natural

wetlands. At the same time the soil is seen by the farmer as a productive environment, and managed

by mechanical, chemical, biological and other means. Erosion, degradation, devastation or change of

land use are the most important processes to be understood in the context of soil protection. Legally,

protection of soil quantity is regulated by the acts dealing with regional planning and protection of

the landscape, forest, pastures, farmlands or wetlands. Protection of soil quality is needed to protect

drinking water and the quality of the food produced in the soil.

The use of soil may lead to degradation of soil quantity and quality. The visible conflicts between

the six functions of soil described above should be well understood. The most important conflict is

between ecological functions and industrial uses of soil that result in irreversible soil losses. Another

is the use of soil for dumping of pollutants. Soil contamination is a cause of forest decline,

degradation and devastation of agricultural areas, and increasing soil erosion. A high level of heavy

metals in soil, pesticides, manure, sewage sludge, sulphur and nitrites from acid rain may reduce

crop yield and soil productivity. Soils have a capacity of self-purification by mechanical filtration,

chemical buffering and biochemical transformations when waste is deposited or precipitated on the

soil surface. However, this capacity is not always enough. It may contaminate soil water and

vegetation in the human food chain. Therefore pollution of soil should be avoided as long as

possible.

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3.2.1 Solid Waste

Waste is one of the major problems of environmental protection because it creates hazard to all

environmental spheres; lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere (Karwaczy Ska 2001,

Szyma Ska-Pulikowska 2003, Niedwiecki et al. 2007, Rosik-Dulewska 2007, Rosik-Dulewska et al.

2008).

3.2.1 Municipal Solid Waste

Municipal solid waste are regarded as discarded materials arising from operational activities taken

place in different land use such as residential, commercial and industrial. Domestic or residential

wastes are those that are collected from dwelling places on a regular basis, such waste include

organic matter resulting from preparation and consummation of food, rags, nylon and ashes are the

remains after various cooking and heating processes. The commercial wastes are those that arise

from shops, supermarkets, market and others; they include paper carton, polythene bags and nylons.

The industrial wastes are those waste materials that arise from industries; these could be solid,

liquid, sludge or emotive title attached to them like toxic, hazardous and special waste. The

industrial waste include metals, scraps, chips and grits from machine, shops, sawdust, paper pieces

and glass (Omole and Alakinde 2013). Kenneth and Huie (1983) also classified solid waste into

three categories, namely; garbage, ashes and rubbish. The garbage includes organic matter resulting

from preparation and consumption of food. Ashes include remains from cooking and heating process

and the rubbish may either take the form of combustible such as paper, rags, wood, leaves and

weeds or non-combustible such as glass, plastic, polythene and metal materials.

Solid waste management is a global issue that is a growing source of concern in developed and

developing countries due to increase urbanization; changes in consumer pattern and

industrialization, which all directly influence solid waste generation (Kadafa et al., 2013). Adedibu

(1993) is of the view that the nature and composition of solid waste is a product of climatic and

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business activities in urban centres. He argues further that most of the agricultural produce such as

maize, cassava, vegetables, millet are brought unprocessed during the rainy and harvesting seasons

from the nearby farms. The composition of refuse generated in an area determines the type of

disposal method suitable for a particular form of waste and the effectiveness of a collection system

depends on the cooperation of households and individuals in various sectors of the city in providing

containers for storing refuse in accordance with the regulation and regularly placing the materials for

collection (Afon, 2003). Abumere (1983) links socio-cultural factors to land use pattern such as

housing density and eating habits. He further states that solid waste accumulation is a product of

chaotic land use pattern, the number of household living and that the eating habit in a greatly

determines the composition of refuse generated. Abila and Kantola (2013) are of the view that

municipal waste management problems in Nigeria cut across concern for human health, air, and

water and land pollution.

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Adewole (2009) argues that continuous indiscriminate disposal of municipal solid waste is

accelerating and is linked to poverty, poor governance, urbanization, population growth, poor

standards of living and low level of environmental awareness.

One notable environmental problem that has bedeviled the nation since the 1970s is municipal solid

waste. MSW affects the environment in different parts of the globe. In Nigeria the oil boom of the

1970s had resulted into increase in the volume of individual, commercial and industrial activities in

towns and cities of the country. These gave birth to many environmental problems such as flood,

erosion, solid waste materials, global warming, desertification/drought and pollutions.

Miller (1994) defines waste as man’s unwanted materials that need to be discarded. Adegoke (1990)

defines waste as substances and materials which are disposed of or are required to be disposed of

according to the provision of the national law. Miller (1993; 1994) defines solid waste as any

unwanted or discarded material that is not liquid or a gas. It may not generally be accepted that

solids and indeed wastes are “useless, unwanted or discarded (undesirable) materials” given the

degree of scavenging on waste heaps in less developed countries like Nigeria by both humans and

animals. Urban wastes are those materials that are generated, used and have no further value and are

thrown away in the environment, these materials can be valuable raw materials located at a wrong

place (Sharma, 2010).

Gordon (2005) is of the view that municipal solid wastes are commonly known as trash or garbage,

it is a combination of the entire city’s solid and sometimes semi-solid waste. It includes mainly

households or domestic waste, but it can also contain commercial and industrial waste with the

exception of industrial hazardous waste (waste from industrial practices that causes a threat to

human or environmental health). He categorized municipal waste into five:

(i) The biodegradable which includes things like food, and kitchen waste such as meat

trimmings or vegetable peelings, yard or green waste and paper.

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(ii) Recyclable materials: This includes non-biodegradable items like glass, plastic bottles,

other plastics, metals and aluminium cans.

(iii) Inert waste: Inert materials which include construction and demolition waste are not

necessarily toxic to all species but can be harmful to humans.

(iv) Composite waste: Items composed of more than one material such as clothing, plastics as

well as children toys.

(v) Households hazardous: This includes medicines, paints, batteries, light bulbs, fertilizers

and pesticides containers and electronic waste (e-waste) like computers, printers and cellular

phones.

Municipal solid waste are usually made up of complex biodegradable and non-biodegradable

substances, the composition, volume, and weight varying from place to place depending on the

culture and ways of life of the people and the population size of the urban centre. Municipal solid

waste contains not only “valuable” and often reusable materials such as metals, glass, paper, plastics

and food remains, but also an ever- increasing amount of hazardous waste (Figure 2.1). Typical of

the hazardous waste are chemical elements such as lead, manganese from batteries.

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heavy metals like antimony, arsenic from florescent tubes, pesticides, bleaches, discarded electronic

sets such as computers, toys, handsets and television and a waste of range of toxic chemicals which

occur in solvents, paints, disinfectants and wood preservatives (Sharma, 2010).

3.3 Soil Contamination and Pollution by Solid Waste

Amuno (2011) remarked that academic inquiry into the potential impact of dumpsites

on soil quality is receiving global attention due to the growing awareness of environmental and

epidemiological risks associated with municipal solid wastes disposal. Open dumpsites present a

number of risks to soils due to its propensity to generate toxic chemicals, pathogens and alter the

natural environment of the soil. The findings from his study indicates that soil from both dump sites

can be classified as moderate to extremely contaminated with heavy metals such as lead and

cadmium. It is also observed that the soil contamination ranges from low to high with Zinc, Copper,

Arsenic and Molybdenum. The subject of soil contamination from dump sites has received

substantial scholarly attention in recent years (Amuno, 2011; Ogbuene et al., 2012) Municipal solid

waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions through processes of decomposition

and life-cycle activities. Effective mitigation of greenhouse gas emission is important and could

provide environmental benefits and sustainable development, as well as reduce adverse impacts on

public health. The waste sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and account

for approximately 5% of the global greenhouse budget (IPCC, 2006). This 5% consist of methane

emission from anaerobic decomposition of solid waste and carbon dioxide from wastewater

decomposition (IPCC, 2007). The greenhouse gas emissions related to land filling are mainly due to

methane and carbon dioxide present in the biogas produced by anaerobic bacteria used as carbon

source. The biodegradable carbon is contained in the waste (IPCC, 2005). In particular the disposal

of waste in landfills generates methane that has high global warming potential.

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Figure 2.1 Solid Waste Compositions (Tadesse, 2007)

Solid Waste was not considered as a big threat in the beginning. However, as cities grew

exponentially, the absence of planned scientific landfill for municipal solid waste started showing

high impact on soil quality and the health of the population living in close vicinity (NSWAI, 2009).

Improper management of solid wastes has direct adverse effect on soil and water quality (Dawei,

2012). Amuno (2011) opined that dumpsites are potential sources of soil contamination as a result of

the migration and proliferation of leachate produced through the decomposition of municipal solid

wastes (MSW). Schwarz (1997) argued that the landfill would worsen the soil quality and

environmental damage. Waste management is at the lowest ebb in most towns and communities.

Most parts of the city centres do not benefit from public waste disposal services and therefore, have

to bury or burn their waste or dispose it haphazardly (Agirtas et al., 1999). In Nigeria, there are very

few sanitary landfill sites for solid wastes. The dump sites are usually haphazardly located without

careful consideration of environmental and public health. These sites are usually open, subjected to

frequent incineration and soil contamination (Agunwamba, 2001).

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3.3.1 Soil contamination and pollution by heavy metals

Agirtas et al., (1999) maintained that waste materials contaminated with heavy metals are disposed

into landfills where they deteriorate the soil quality. He also emphasized that considerable amounts

of toxic metals arising from human activities accumulate in soil. Ideriah et al., (2010) opined that

higher concentrations of lead are obtained in the vicinity of the waste dump sites and this

contaminates the soil quality. Metals are found naturally in undisturbed soil. In fact, small amounts

are required by plants to remain healthy. Metals found in waste dumps exist in various forms either

as the pure metal or alloyed with various other metals. Heavy metals that impair the quality of our

soil come from various sources that can be categorized into urban-industrial aerosols; liquid and

solid wastes from animal and man; industrial and agricultural chemicals (Gerard, 1996). The

amounts of metals increased significantly with haphazard disposal of waste in soils.The analyzed

species of heavy metals in the soils could reflect the variability of metal composition in the solid or

liquid waste. This has a grave impact on the soil quality (Muhammad, 2011). Ideriah et al., (2010)

maintained that the waste dumps contribute to the high copper levels in the soils. Copper in the

vegetation growing around the waste dumpsites was compared statistically with that away from the

dump site. It was found that the copper level in the plants within the dump site was significantly

higher. Solid waste deposited on the surface adds metallic contaminants to the soil on which

economic crops are cultivated. It is necessary to undertake regular environmental impact study to

assess waste dump sites. The higher concentration of copper in vegetation than in soils is attributed

to direct contact rather than absorption from the soil.

3.3.2 Effect of solid waste dumps on engineering property of soil

Ukpong and Agunwamba (2011), in their study “effect of solid waste dumps on the engineering and

some chemical properties of the underlying soil for three different dump sites in Uyo”. The results

showed that there was an increase in specific gravity, plasticity index, maximum density and

18
permeability, concentration of zinc, lead and iron in soil under the dump site when compared with

soil away from the dump sites (control). On the other hand, there were reductions in the values of

liquid limits, plastic limits and optimum moisture content. Solid waste dumps have some effect on

the engineering and chemical properties of soil. Not only does it reduce the overall soil strength and

consequently its usefulness as a foundation material, it also can result in pollution of ground water

sources due to percolation of toxic and hazardous chemical. Although the extent of damage may not

be quantified, it is recommended that careful study precede the setting of these dumps which are

currently located in Nigeria haphazardly without public and environmental health concern. Soil is a

fundamental resource base for agricultural production systems. Besides being the main medium for

crop growth, soil functions to sustain crop productivity, maintain environmental quality, and provide

for plant, animal and human health. There is however a growing recognition that poor air or water

quality has profound impact on the health and productivity of given agro-system and on the

ecosystems that interface with it (Mitchelli 2001, Ideriah 2005). Soil is a dynamic resource that

supports plant life. It is made up of different sized mineral particles (sand, silt, and clay), organic

matter, and numerous species of living organisms. Thus, soil has biological, chemical, and physical

properties, some of which are dynamic and can change in response to how the soil is managed

(David 1997, Dara 2004). An assessment provides information about the current functional status or

quality of the soil. The assessment must start with an understanding of the standard, baseline value,

or reference value to be used for comparison. Assessments can be made to help identify areas where

problems occur, to identify areas of special interest, or to compare fields under different

management systems. Land managers can use this information, along with data from soil surveys,

fertility tests, and other resource inventory and monitoring data, to make management decisions

(Daniel, 1999). Interest in evaluating the quality and health of our soil resources has been stimulated

by increasing awareness that soil is a critically important component of the earth’s biosphere,

functioning not only in the production of food and raw material but also in the maintenance of local,

19
regional, and global environmental quality (Glanz, 1995). Monitoring of soil quality indicators over

time identifies changes or trends in the functional status or quality of the soil. Monitoring can be

used to determine the success of management practices or the need for additional management

changes or adjustments (Daniel 1999; Dara 2004).

3.4 Groundwater Contamination by Soild Waste

The main source of potable water is groundwater, commonly from shallow hand-dug wells and

deeper water supply boreholes. Groundwater is a valuable resource often used for industry,

commerce, agriculture and most importantly for drinking. Often, the raw water used for domestic

purposes is vulnerable to contamination due to the human influence resulting in pollution.

Groundwater pollution is mainly due to the process of industrialisation and urbanisation that has

progressively developed over time without any regard for environmental consequences (Longe &

Balogun 2010). In recent times, the impact of leachate on groundwater and other water resources has

attracted a lot of attention because of its overwhelming environmental significance. Leachate

migration from wastes sites or landfills and the release of pollutants from sediments (under certain

conditions) pose a high risk to the groundwater resources if not adequately managed (Ikem et al.,

2002). Groundwater protection is a major environmental issue. Open dumps are the oldest and most

common way of disposing solid wastes, and although in recent years thousands of them have been

closed, many are still being used (Al Sabahi et al., 2009). The frequently used municipal solid waste

disposal methods include: composting, sanitary landfill, and pyrolysis, reuse, recovery and recycling

(USEPA, 2007). Waste management has become increasingly complex due to the increase in human

population, industrial and technological revolutions while the processes that control the fate of

wastes in the soil are complex and many of them are poorly understood. Issues such as nutrients and

other chemicals release rates, leaching of nutrients and metals through macropores as suspended

solids, and sludge organic matter effects on the sorption degradation are often not understood by

20
many researchers (Mohammed et al,. 2009). The leaching of hydrophobic organics, long term

bioavailability, and fate of metals fixed by soil organic matter need to be studied to gain a better

approach in groundwater pollution handling (Ikem et al,. 2002). Toxic chemicals that have high

concentrations of nitrate and phosphate derived from the waste in the soil can filter through the

dump and contaminate both the ground and surface water. Insects, rodents, snakes, scavenger birds,

dust, noise, or bad odour are some of the aesthetic problems associated with sanitary landfills.

Emissions of methane (CH4) and carbon IV oxide (CO2) and leachate contamination of ground water

and soil are the environmental issues connected with the landfill.

3.5 Solid Waste Management

Waste Generation rates data published by USAID (2009) stated that waste generated are

approximately 0.5 kilograms of solid waste per person per day, in some cases, the waste generated

is as high as 0.8 kilograms of waste per person per day.

Solid wastes generation are wastes as a result of human activities which are normally solid and are

discarded as useless. According to the WHO (1971) any solid materials produced by the humans is

going to develop into a waste sometime, somewhere, and somehow. Abul (2010) documented it that

waste material generated is a product of human activity, the capacity of waste generated is

increasing rapidly due to increase in human population and increase in general standards of living.

To keep a clean environment, solid waste contributed by the kitchen refuse, markets and slaughter

house have to be properly disposed off into a waste bin as shown in Figure 2.2. for final disposal by

waste managers, so that environment will remain healthy and clean for inhabitation. Because it is a

well-known fact that a soiled environment has a harmful effect on the standard of living, people’s

health, aesthetic sensibilities and the quality of their lives. In respect to the recognition of the

necessity to take a holistic approach to manage and protect the environment in Nigeria, the Federal

21
Government of Nigeria created the Federal Environmental Protection Agency in the year 1988 and

the Federal Environmental Protection Act FEPA in 2007. (Ijaiya 2013)

Figure 2.2: A waste bin (Taddese, 2007)

3.5.1 Importance of solid waste managements

The identification of the importance of solid waste management as integral to sustained

urban development is being recognized by the international community, (George and Ogishi 2001)

stressed that solid waste production should be minimized as possible, reuse, recycling and

maximized environmentally sound waste disposal and dumpsite treatment promoted, and waste

service coverage should be encouraged.

The relationship between improper storage, public health, collection, and the disposal of solid

wastes are quite clear as explained by (Tadesse 2004). Public health establishment have shown that

flies, rodent and other diseases are breed in poorly maintained open dumps, (Sankoh et al,. 2013)

discussed the effect of residential solid wastes heap up on the roads due to improper waste disposing
22
system, this type of indiscriminate throwing away of waste allows biodegradable waste to

decompose under unhygienic and uncontrolled conditions. This leads to offensive odour and breeds

various types of insects, besides spoiling the aesthetics of the site. Industrial solid wastes are sources

of hazardous wastes, which are responsible for changes in biological and physicochemical

distinctiveness of the soil, thereby affecting output of the soil. Tadesse (2004) further explained that

phenomena like air and water pollution have always been attributed to improper management of

solid wastes. For instance, liquid from waste dumps and poorly managed landfills can contaminate

surface waters from waste dumps which may include toxic elements, such as arsenic, copper,

uranium, or it also may pollute water supplies with unwanted salts of calcium and magnesium.

Although nature has the ability to absorb, dilute, degrade, disperse, or otherwise minimize the effect

of unwanted residues in the atmosphere, in the waterways, and on the land, but (Daniel 1999) affirm

that ecological imbalances have occurred where the natural assimilative capability of the soil has

been exceeded.

Tadesse 2004 stated that the activities that are related with the management of solid wastes

from right from the point of waste generation to final waste disposal have been divided into six

functional elements as described in Table 2.1 and shown in Figure 2.3

1. Waste generation, 2. On-site handling, storage, and processing, 3 Collection,

4.Transfer and transport, 5. Processing and recovery, 6. Disposal.

23
Figure 3.3: Solid Waste Management Flow Chart

Table 3.1: Description of Solid Waste management Functional Element

Functional Element Description

Waste generation Activities in which resources are identified as no longer being of

useful or being of importance and are either thrown away or

packed together for disposal

On- site handling, Activities associated with handling, storage, and

Storage, and processing processing of solid wastes at the spot of waste generation

Collection Activities associated with gathering and collection of solid

Wastes, and the moving of wastes after collection to the

location where the gathering vehicle is emptied for safety

Transfer and transport Activates associated with (1) the transfer of solid wastes

from the smaller gathering vehicle to the larger transport

equipment, (2) the subsequent transport of the wastes,

usually over distance to the waste disposal site.

Processing and recovery These involves equipment and facilities used both to develop the
24
 competence of the other useful elements and to recover usable

materials, conversion products to solid wastes.

Disposal Activities associated with ultimate disposal of solid waste

including those wastes collected and transported directly to a landfill

site, semisolid wastes (sludge) from wastewater treatment plants

incinerator residue compost, or other substances from the wires solid

waste processing plants that are of no use.

Source: (Taddese, 2007)

4.0 METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH PLUS MATERIALS

4.1 The Study Area

A municipal solid waste dumpsite at Redemption area apatapiti was selected for the study. The area

was selected based on its proximity to residential area and the daily interactions between the

dumpsite and the people in the area. The area is located within FUTA south Gate, Akure South

Local Government Area, Akure. The area consists of mainly residence buildings, student

fellowships and student hostels which make the rate of waste generation in the area to be on the high

side. The waste generated in the area is under the management of the Ondo State Waste

Management Authority which come with their collection trucks to collect the wastes in the area on

weekly basis. There are however some unsanitary dumpsites in the area as shown in Figure 4.1, one

of which is the location where this study was carried out.

25
Figure 4.1 The Study Area

4.2 Site Location and Sampling

About 1 kg each of four (4) composite soil samples at a depth of 0 -15cm from the soil surface were

collected. Sample 1 was collected directly from the centre of the dumpsite (0 metre), the sample 2

was collected at a distance of 1.5 m away from the dumpsite, sample 3 was collected at a distance of

3 metre away from the dumpsite, the control sample were taking from a distance of 10.5 metre away

from the dumpsite as shown in Table 3.1. These samples were kept in a clean airtight polythene bag

immediately after sampling and transported to the laboratory for further analysis.

Table 4.1: Sampling depth and distance

Sample code Sample Distance from Depth (cm)

dumpsite (m)

Sample 1 Sample 0.0 15

Sample 2 Sample 1.5 15

26
 Sample 3 Sample 3.0 15

Sample 4 Control sample 10.5 15

4.3 Laboratory Analysis

The following physical constituent were analysed in the soil samples taken from the study area;

Moisture content, Bulk density, Water holding capacity and the soil textural classification. pH,

Organic content (OC), Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), Sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), Cation Exchange

Capacity, Potassium (K), Organic matter (OM) and Magnesium (Mg) were the soil chemical

properties analysed. The metal analysed include Zinc (Zn), Iron(Fe), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu),

Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Ca).

4.4 Analysis of Soil Physical Properties.

The soil physical property was determined in the laboratory using standard procedures. The

properties include; Moisture Content, Bulk Density, Water Holding Capacity and the soil textural

classification.

4.4.1 Soil moisture content determination.

A clean moisture can was weighed (W1), soil sample were added into the moisture can and weighed

(W2). The soil moisture can was transferred into oven at about 100 oC for about 24 hours. The

sample is removed and placed in a desiccator to cool for about 1 hour. The oven dried sample were

weighed and labelled (W3). The moisture content of the soil was calculated in percentage and it’s

the loss in weigh of the soil after drying in the oven. (Ibitoye, 2008)

27
4.4.2 Soil water holding capacity determination

The soil water holding capacity can be expressed as the amount of water absorbed per unit weight of

dry soil when immersed in water. 2mm sieved soil sample were added into a perforated plastic

container, the sample was compacted into the plastic container. The sample was placed into a flat

water container overnight. The sample container was removed and the water inside is allowed to

drain. An empty can was weighed (W1), a spatula was used to transfer some saturated soil into the

moisture can, weighed and record as (W2), the moisture can was transfer into an oven and dried at

105oC to obtain constant weight (W3). (Ibitoye, 2008) The water holding capacity was calculated in

percentage as follows

W.H.C = {(W2 – W3)/(W3 –W1)} X 100 (i)

4.4.3 Bulk density determination

The bulk density by definition is the weight per unit volume of oven dry soil. The soil sample was

taking from the study area by pressing the sampler into the soil vertically, the sampler was trim at

both end with knife, an empty can was weighed as (W1), the soil sample was transferred to the pre-

weighed can and weighed as (W2) and it was oven dried for about 24 hours at 105 oC. the volume of

the core sampler was V = (πr 2h).the can was removed and it was allowed to cool inside a desiccator

for about 1 hour, it was weighed as (W3) (Ibitoye, 2008). The bulk density was calculated as follows

Bulk density D = {(W3 – W1)/V} (i)

4.4.4 Particle size analysis

This was done using the hydrometer method. This method is measured as a function of time, it is a

continuous reduction of the density of suspension at a given time and temperature. The particles of

soil in a suspension show that the larger ones settle first, then the smaller ones follow in sequence.

28
The soil hydrometer was calibrated to indicate the concentration of the soil solids in gram per litre at

20oC. 50 grams of 2mm sieved oven dry soil was put into a 250ml beaker, and 100ml of calgon was

added and it was allowed to soak for at least 30 minutes. A mechanical stirrer was used to mix the

suspension for about 3 minutes. The suspension was transfer into a sedimentation cylinder and it

was fill to the mark with distilled water while hydrometer was in the suspension. A plunger was

inserted to mix the mixture thoroughly, the time of stirring was recorded. The hydrometer was

lowered carefully into the suspension and the reading was taking after 40 seconds. (R40secs). The

temperature of the suspension was recorded after the hydrometer had been removed. The suspension

was remix to take the 40 seconds reading until we approach a reliable reading. Another hydrometer

and temperature reading were taking after 2 hours of the 40 seconds reading.(Ibitoye, 2008) The

particle size analysis was determined as follow

% silt and clay = [{(R2hours – Ra) +Rc}/W] x 100 (i)

% clay = [{R2hours –Rb)+Rd}/W] x 100 (ii)

% silt = (silt + clay) –clay (iii)

Sand = 100 - (silt +clay). (iv)

Ra = 40secs. Blank hydrometer reading

Rb = 2hrs. Blank hydrometer reading

Rc =40secs. Correction factor (temperature x 0.360)

Rd =2hrs. Correction factor (temperature x 0.360)

29
4.5 Analysis of Soil Chemical Properties

The soil Chemical property was determined in the laboratory using standard procedures. The

properties include: pH , Organic content (OC), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Sodium (Na),

Calcium (Ca), Cation Exchange Capacity, Potassium (k), Organic matter (OM) and Magnesium

(Mg) where the soil chemical properties analysed. And the metal analysed are Zinc (Zn), Iron(Fe),

Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Ca).

4.5.1 Soil pH determination

Soil pH is a unit that describes the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a soil solution; it’s the measure

of the active acidity or hydrogen (H +) of the soil sample solution. 10g of air dried, 2mm sieved soil

was placed into a 50ml beaker, 20ml of distilled water was added, stirred and allowed to stand for 30

minutes with occasional stirring. The pH meter was calibrated with pH 7.0 and 4.0 buffer. The

electrode was inserted into the partly settled suspension during measurement. It was rinsed with de-

ionized water and wiped dry with a clean tissue paper after each reading.(Ibitoye, 2008)

4.5.2 Organic matter and organic carbon determination

Organic matter and Organic content was determined by walkley-black wet oxidation method. The

soil sample was sieved with 0.5m sieve. One gram was weighed and transferred to 250 ml conical

flask. 10ml of 1N k2Cr2O7 (potassium hepta dichromate) was added and swirled to mix. 20ml of

concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) was rapidly added, shaken and allowed to stand for 30 minutes.

The mixture was diluted with 100ml of distilled water and five drops of ferroin indicator added, it

was then titrated with 0.5N FeSO4 (ferrous sulphate). The percentage Organic matter was

subsequently calculated, using the formula bellow. (Ibitoye, 2008)

% Organic C in soil = {Me k2Cr2O7 – Me FeSO4 x 0.003 x 100 x 100 x (f)}/ g of air dry soil

30
Correction factor (f) = 1.33

Me = normality of solution x ml of solution used

% Organic matter soil = % Organic Content x 1.729

4.5.3 Potassium and Sodium determination

This was determined by flame photometry. 10g of 2mm sieved soil were weighed into a conical

flask and 100ml of Neutral ammonium acetate were poured into it and stirred for one hour

intermittently at every 25 minutes. It was filtered and the extract saved for analysis. Standard

solution was prepared for K, which is within the range of 0 to 40 ppm (part per million). Flame

photometer was set up accordingly. The instrument readout was calibrated using thr standard

solution; the meter was set to zero while aspirating in distilled water and the readings set at 100%

emission while aspirating in the top concentration of the standard solution. Percent emission curve

plotted linear graph paper. The sample solutions were aspirated and their percent emission reading

recorded. These readings were used in tracing out the concentration of K in sample solutions from

their standard curve and result converted to cmol/k. Standard solution was prepared for Na, which is

within the range of 0 to 40 ppm (part per million). Flame photometer was set up accordingly. The

instrument readout was calibrated using thr standard solution; the meter was set to zero while

aspirating in distilled water and the readings set at 100% emission while aspirating in the top

concentration of the standard solution. Percent emission curve plotted linear graph paper. The

sample solutions were aspirated and their percent emission reading recorded. These readings were

used in tracing out the concentration of Na in sample solutions from their standard curve and result

converted to cmol/k. (Ibitoye, 2008)

31
4.5.4 Magnesium and Calcium determination

Ca and Mg were determined by versenate method. Aliquot was obtained for K and Na. 20ml aliquot

was pipetted into a beaker and 10 drops of 2 % potassium cyanide, 10 drops of ammonium hydrogen

chloride and 5 drops of Erichrome black T, also 15ml of potassium hydroxide were added in the

place of concentrated ammonia to maintain a pH of 12 or above. The resulting solution was titrated

with 0.01M varsenate for Ca and Mg until the green fluorescent colour just disappears, leaving a

yellowish- pink colour as the end point. The titre value of Ca was subtracted from that of Ca and Mg

to arrive at the titre value of Mg and the formula below used to calculate percentage concentration.

% Ca = [{( T1 x 0.01 ) / 1000 } x ( V1 / V2 ) x ( 100 / W2 ) x 100] (i)

% Mg = [{(Tm x 0.01 ) / 1000 } x ( V1 / V2 ) x ( 100 / W2 ) x 24] (ii)

4.5.5 Organic Nitrogen determination

Determination of soil nitrogen involves this three different stages. (Ibitoye, 2008)

i) Digestion: 1g of the dried sieved soil was weighed into a digestion flask, 1g of k 2SO4

catalyst was added, 20 ml of concentrated H 2SO4 was added and heated at 400 oC until a

clear solution was achieved. The digest was decanted and rinsed very well to remove all

traces of sample from the flask and made up to 50ml in a standard flask. This was kept as

the stock sample or digested solution.

ii) Distillation: 5ml of the digested solution were put into distillation flask, 10ml of 40%

NaOH was added and rinsed with distilled water. 5ml of 2% Boric acid was put in a

conical flask, 2-3 drops of methyl red-bromocresol green mixed indicator were added,

and was then placed under the condenser of the unit, with the end of condenser inside the

boric acid. The NH3 liberated was collected in the boric acid until 50ml was collected.

32
 iii) Titration: this distillate was titrated with 0.01M HCl until the colour changed from green

to pink end point. A blank sample was distilled and titrated in the same way and the %

Nitrogen was computed from the results.

4.5.6 Phosphorus determination

The phosphorus in the soil was determined by weighing 2g of finely ground soil and put it into a

conical flask. 30ml of HClO4 was added to it. The mixture was digested on a hot plate in fume

cupboard at 130OC until the solution appear clear. As digestion was completed, white fume of

HClO4 appear and residue becomes white. The flask was removed and cool to room temperature.

50ml of distilled water was added and the mixture was filter into 100ml standard flask which makes

the total volume to be 100ml, from there phosphorus can be determined calorimetrically.(Ibitoye,

2008)

4.5.7 Cation exchange capacity determination

The cation exchange Capacity (CEC) is an expression of the number of cation absorption sites per

unit weight of soil. It is defined as the sum of exchangeable cations absorbed, expressed in

(cmol/Kg) of oven dry soil. CEC can be determined by putting a little soil quantity into a flask with

ammonium salt solution (NH4+), the (NH4+) ions replace the other cations, which were leached into

the flask. After the excess NH4+ salt solution was removed with an organic solvent, such as alcohol a

k+ salt solution was used to replace and leach the absorbed NH 4+ ions. The quantity of NH4+ released

and washed into the lower container was determined thereby measuring the cation exchange

capacity in cmol/kg of soil sample.(Ibitoye, 2008)

4.6 Heavy Metals Determination (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd)

33
A 5g of soil was weighed and and put inside a 100ml plastic bottle, a 50ml of 0.1MHCl was added

as a reagent and it was shake for 30 minutes, the soil suspension was filtered and the metals was

determined from aliquot using AAS as calculated below.(Ibitoye, 2008)

(Molar mass of compound containing test element) / (atomic mass of test element)

5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The discussion of the result of the samples from the dumpsite and the control site is to analysis the

physical and chemical properties of the soil, and highlight the changes in the properties of the soil.

This is achieved by the use of Analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the significant effect of solid

waste on the soil physical, chemical properties, heavy metal content and the soil exchangeable

cation.

5.1 Soil Physical Property Analysis

The result of the physical property of the soil in the control site which is 10.5 m away from the base

of the dumpsite, the 0 m,1.5 m and 3.0 m is presented in Table 4.1

Table 4.1 The result of the soil physical property

Treat MC B.D WHC Sand Silt Clay Soil

Ment (%) (g/cm3) (%) (%) (%) (%) Class

Control 14.42 0.95 47.18 83.40 7.28 9.32 Sand loamy

0m 16.88 0.76 53.99 88.40 3.28 8.32 Sand

1.5 m 21.22 0.83 63.50 84.40 7.28 8.32 Sand loamy

3m 17.31 0.66 55.24 86.40 6.28 7.32 Sand

34
5.1.1 The soil particle size analysis

As the texture of the soil plays a very important role in plant establishment and development and

also influences physical parameters of the soil, the soil texture class was evaluated for all the studied

samples and the control sample.

The soil of the dumpsite and the control site had very low silt content (3.28%-7.28%) and high sand

content (88.40% - 84.40%). highest Sand content (88.40%) of the sample was at 0 metre of the

dumpsite while the lowest sand content (83.40 %) at the control site as shown in Figure 4.1, Also the

base of the dumpsite has the lowest silt content of (3.28%) as compared to the highest silt content

which was present in the control site (7.28%). The control has the highest clay content of (9.32%)

compared to the clay content of the samples from the dumpsite which range from (7.32%-8.32%),

this is understandable as its being used for agricultural purpose. The properties at the dumpsites are

quite variable than control (may be because of the heterogeneous composition of waste materials at

these sites. The entire soil textural class was sandy loam using USDA textural class triangle. The

proportion of sand was between 83.4-88.4%, silt 3.28-7.28%, and of clay 7.32-9.32%.

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Sand(%) Silt(%) Clay(%)

Control Dumpdase(0m) Dumpsite(1.5m) Dumpsite(3m)

Figure 4.1; Particle size distribution of Soil Samples

35
5.1.2 Bulk density

The differences in soil total porosity may be due to differences in organic matter content of

the sites. This is because higher organic matter helps to build soil aggregates and increasing pore

space. The control has the highest bulk density of 0.5g/cm 3. 0.76 g/cm3, 0.83g/cm3 and 0.66g/cm3

were the density of 0 m, 1.5 m and 3 m from the base of the dumpsite respectively. As shown in

Figure 4.2, high porosity and low bulk density of the dumpsites are an advantage because they will

encourage easy root penetration and facilitate plant establishment and growth. Rai et.al., (2010).

5.1.3 Moisture content

The mean moisture content of soil ranged from between 14.42 -21.22% and it decreased with

the increase of the distance away from the refuse dump as shown in figure 4.2. The control (which

was the farthest and 10.5 m away from the dumpsite) recorded the lowest moisture content. This

agrees with the observations reported by Silva and Kay (1997) and Moura et al., (2009) in their

studies. The moisture content within the dump base was higher as this was associated with the

increased activity of organisms and high organic matter according to Zhang et al., (2007).

5.1.4 Water holding capacity

The control recorded the lowest value of moisture content 14.42% which was lower than that of base

of the dumpsite, 1.5m and 3m away from the base of the dumpsite which are 16.88%, 21.22% and

17.31% respectively (Figure 4.2). It decreased with the increase of the distance away from the refuse

dump. Among all the soil samples studied, the control site recorded the highest bulk density and

lowest moisture content. This showed that the control had a very low capacity to retain water. Thus,

confirming the fact that biodegradable waste when applied to the soil, enhances the ability of the soil

to hold water (Ibitoye, 2001). It also supports the proposition that the ability of organic wastes to

moisture content depends among other things on organic matter content and improved pore spaces.

Ikem et al., (2002)

36
 70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
MC % B.D(g/cm3) WHC(%)

Control Dumpdase(0m) Dumpsite(1.5m) Dumpsite(3m)

Figure 5.2 The soil physical property graph of BD, WHC and MC

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to assess the variation in the physical properties of the

soil, and the result is presented in Table 4.2.

Table 5.2 ANOVA result of the Soil Physical Property

ANOVA
Source
of
Variatio
n SS df MS F P-value F crit
44.7341 14.9113 0.23437 3.28738
Rows 8 3 9 1.58602 4 2
23070.8 4614.16 490.776 2.90129
Columns 3 5 6 3 4.6E-16 5
141.026 9.40177
Error 6 15 1

23256.5
Total 9 23

The ANOVA result of physical property of the soil in the sample is shown in Table 4.2 with 0.05

Alpha level which is lesser than 0.234374.Therefore, the variation along the row of the soil physical

37
 property is statistically insignificant. And the variation in physical property across the column is

statistically significant with 4.6x10-16 which is lesser than 0.05 Alpha Value.

5.2 Soil Chemical Property Result

The result of the chemical property of the sampled soil is shown in Table 4.3

Table 4.3: The Soil Chemical Property Result

Treat pH N P K Na Ca Mg OC OM H+ CEC

Ment (%) (mg/kg) (cmol/kg) (cmol/kg) (cmol/kg) (cmol/kg) (%) (%)

Control 6.41 0.34 0.54 0.07 0.03 5.8 2.90 2.09 3.61 0.24 9.04

0m 6.53 0.28 1.71 0.08 0.06 11.80 5.90 2.70 4.65 0.24 18.08

1.5 m 6.08 0.41 1.87 0.07 0.03 4.07 2.03 2.33 4.01 0.02 6.40

3m 6.46 0.48 1.32 0.03 0.03 4.13 2.07 2.07 3.57 0.20 6.46

5.2.1 SOIL pH

The mean pH value of soil samples in the study area and control site ranged from 6.08 – 6.41 which

indicates that the soil samples are acidic in nature. They decreased slightly with the increasing

distance from the refuse dump as shown in Figure 4.3. This could be the result of a high

exchangeable cation content around the refuse dump. The major effect of soil acidification on plants

included the reduction in nutrient supply, increased concentration of metal ions in solution,

especially of Iron, copper and manganese, which may be toxic while nitrogen fixation by legumes

may be reduced unless the Rhizobium strain is acid tolerant. Akinbile. (2012) and Dorraji et al.,

(2010).

5.2.2 Organic matter

38
The percentage organic matter at the base of the dumpsite was 4.65%, which is higher than the

control of 3.61% (Figure 4.3). The higher value may have been resulted from the decomposition and

composting processes of animal dung, food wastes, smoke. And the presences of many organic

waste residues which add more organic matter after their decay. Apart from this accumulation and

subsequent decomposition of plant residues also result in building organic matter. (Gairola and Soni,

2010). The frequent addition of easily decomposable organic residues caused the synthesis of

complex organic compounds that bind soil particles into structural units called aggregates. These

aggregates helped in maintaining a loose, open and granular condition. Water is then able to enter

and percolate downward through the soil with pollutants (Ibitoye, 2001; Shepherd et al. 2002). A

higher content of organic matter within the dumpsite favours increase in moisture content, water

holding capacity and permeability. The organic matter content depends on number of factors such as

level of microbial activity and proportion of organic refuse.

5.2.3 Organic carbon

The percentage organic carbon (O.C) ranged between 2.07% to 2.70% in the dumpsite (Figure 4.3).

The percentage O.C within the waste dump may be as a result of burning of solid wastes on the

dumpsite. The OC content decreased with the increase of the distance away from the centre of the

dump as the base of the dumpsite recorded the highest value of 2.70%. The increase of organic

carbon content within the waste dump may be the result of the waste burning on the dumpsite. The

effects of burning are numerous and have tremendous negative impacts on the environment. These

include global warming and emissions of other greenhouse gases. Burning could also cause acid rain

which occurs when sulphur IV oxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere (Al

Sabahi et al., 2009). Soil nutrients and essential elements are also depleted during burning.

5.2.4 Cation exchange capacity

39
The cation exchange capacity is the amount of exchangeable cation per unit weight of dry soil that

plays important role in soil fertility. The CEC is directly related to the capacity of adsorbing heavy

metals since the adsorption behaviour depends on combination of the soil properties and the specific

characteristics of the soil element (Barry et al., 1995). Higher values of CEC (18.08 cmol/kg) at the

base of the refuse dumps to 9.04 cmol/kg at the control site are further evidences of decomposition

(Ideriah et al., 2006) of biodegradable matter since over 7% of soil CEC is contributed by humic

substances which are sources of organic carbon (Oviasogie et al., 2003).

5.2.5 Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Organic nitrogen ranged from 0.28 to 0.48%. The Organic nitrogen increase with the increasing

distance away from the waste dump site. Available phosphorus ranged between 0.54 to 1.87 mg/kg

shown in Table 4.3. It decreased with the increase in the distance. The high values phosphorus in

addition to organic matter may have resulted from the constituents of domestic wastes such as soaps

and detergents present in the dumpsite. (Daniel, 1999)

20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
(%) (mg/ (cmol/ (cmol/ (cmol/ (cmol/ (%) (%)
kg) kg) kg) kg) kg)
pH N P K Na Ca Mg OC OM H+ CEC

Control 0m 1.5 m 3m

Figure 5.3; The soil chemical property graph

Table 5.4 ANOVA result of chemical Property

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Rows 38.81492 3 12.93831 3.689176 0.022584 2.922277
40
 Columns 432.7563 10 43.27563 12.33944 4.04E-08 2.16458
Error 105.213 30 3.507099

Total 576.7842 43

The ANOVA result of chemical property of the soil in the sample is shown in Table 4.4. With 0.05

Alpha level which is greater than 0.022584, the concentration of chemical properties along the rows

is scientifically and statistically significant. And the changes in chemical properties across the

column is also significant with 4.04x10-6 which is lesser than 0.05 Alpha Value.

5.3 Heavy Metals Results

The result of laboratory analysis showed that the soil samples are contaminated with Iron (Fe),

Zinc(Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb). The rate at which Copper,

Iron and manganese contaminates the soil in the study area is of a great concern (Figure 4.4).

especially with the immense accumulation of these pollutants which are poisonous and hazardous in

nature. The study therefore applied Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and statistical graph ascertain

their various critical levels in the area.

Table 4.5: Heavy Metal Content on Soil

Location Zn Fe Mn Cu Pb Cd

(ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)

Control 3.33 28.50 24.30 1.13 1.00 0.03

0m 15.00 52.30 47.80 0.85 2.60 0.09

1.5 m 2.89 21.05 20.20 0.79 0.60 0.02

3m 2.79 23.50 26.40 1.30 0.50 0.02

The concentration of heavy metals in the soil as shown in Table 4.5 is analyzed with Analysis of

Variance.

Table 4.6; ANOVA result of Heavy Metal Content

Source
of SS df MS F P-value F crit
41
 Variatio
n
556.408 185.469 4.43449 0.02019 3.28738
Rows 5 3 5 5 4 2
4407.55 881.511 21.0765 2.90129
Columns 7 5 5 5 2.69E-06 5
627.364 41.8242
Error 1 15 7

Total 5591.33 23

The ANOVA result of concentration of Heavy Metals in the sample is shown in Table 4.6. With

0.05 Alpha level which is greater than 0.020194, the concentration of heavy metals along the rows is

scientifically and statistically significant. And the concentration of heavy metals across the column

is also significant with 2.69x10-6 which is lesser than 0.05 Alpha Value. the pH of the soil show that

the soil samples are acidic (Table 4.3), this favours the precipitation and mobilization of heavy

metals (Bhattacharya et al., 2002) which also suggests progressive decomposition of biodegradable

substances leading to the release of hydrogen ions and favourable reducing soil conditions. This is

also consistent with the higher amounts of organic carbon obtained at the base of the refuse dumps.

The seepage of these heavy metals through the soils of the waste dump can infiltrate directly through

unsaturated zones to cause severe underground pollution problems. Their presence in groundwater

can cause a long term health risk to humans through the food chain (Erah et al., 2002; Ogbonna et

al., 2006). Although metals are essential, at higher concentrations they become toxic and present

different problems to soil microorganisms, because they cause oxidative stress by formation of free

radicals. They can also replace essential metals in pigments or enzymes, thus disrupting their

function (Henry, 2000) and may render the land unsuitable for plant growth and destroy the

biodiversity.

The presence of copper, zinc and cadmium concentration are coming from the decomposition of

electrical materials, roofing sheets, cooking utensils, alloys, decay of abandoned electric batteries

and other electronic components (Mull, 2005 and Odero et al., 2000)

42
The appreciable content of copper in the control site as compared with their content in the dumpsite

is unclear, but may be due to proximity to unknown previous activities on the control site.

5.4 Exchangeable Cation

Exchangeable potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and hydrogen values ranged between 0.05 -

0.08cmol/kg, 0.03-0.06cmol/kg, 4.1-11.8 cmol/kg, and 2.09-5.90 cmol/kg respectively (Table 4.3).

In Figure 4.4 it was evident that the exchangeable bases like calcium and magnesium were very high

at 0 m of the dumpsite compare to others.

14

12

10

0
K Na Ca Mg H+

Control site 0 m from dumpsite

1.5m from dumpsite 3m from dumpsite

Figure 4.4: The exchangeable cation graph.

6.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

6.1 Conclusion

The physico-chemical properties of the soil at the base of the dumpsite (0m), at a distance of 1.5m

and 3m away from the base of the dumpsite and the control site which is 10.5m away from the base

of the dumpsite was investigated. The samples taken were tested in the standard procedures for

physical and chemical properties. The concentration of heavy metals, organic carbon, organic

43
matter, magnesium, calcium and cation exchange capacity were observed to be higher in soils at

dumpsite compared to their concentration at the control. This implies that dumpsite has a significant

impact on the environment and the impact of solid waste disposal on soils is damaging. The

evaluation of the soil properties in this study showed that, the refuse dumped on the soil had

detectable and measurable changes on the investigated soil qualities. The refuse had measurable load

of biodegradable or decomposable matter and also contributed to increased amounts of the metals

investigated especially Pb, Zn, Fe and Mg. This should be of serious environmental concern since

those metals are notable toxicants in soil and water ecosystem. When these elements are absorbed by

plants through translocation, the toxins can pass into the food chain through grazing animals, And

through the consumption of these plant and water.

Dumpsite is a cost effective way of disposing solid waste, and as shown in this study the bio-

degradable waste improves physical properties of the soils, but it’s an archaic, unsanitary and

unsustainable option in the management of municipal solid wastes, as this pollutants posed a serious

danger on soil which is an indispensable natural resource on which human survival and entire

ecosystem hinges upon.

6.2 Recommendation

Having highlighted the effect of solid waste dumping on the soil physical and chemical properties.

It’s therefore important to manage municipal solid waste properly in order to minimize their adverse

impact on the soil and its environment with the implementation of the following proffered solid

waste management strategies.

1 Waste should be sorted from the point of generation. This will make way for prompt

haulage of biodegradable waste to farmland as manure and livestock feed.

2 Recovery and recycling of waste for wealth creation through private sector initiatives. This

process will help reduce the volume of waste and add value to waste. Thus, move from waste

to wealth creation.

44
3 What is left after waste reduction, recovery and recycling are usually negligible. They must

be properly disposed so as to reduce the hazardous effect on the soil.

4 it is recommended that careful study precede the setting of these dumps which are

currently located haphazardly without public and environmental health concern

5 A sanitary landfill is recommended for waste disposal which should be design with clay

liners to prevent leachate from getting to the water table

6 Governmental policies on waste disposal and management should be enacted and strictly

enforced, citing of dumpsites far away from the residential areas to minimise the pollution

of nearby well waters, streams and rivers.

45
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 CONCLUSION

As I have narrated above in this report, I have gained adequate Work Experience in
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering (design, fabrication, supervision and office
management) as well as knowledge in project management and facilitator of workshops and
conference in the field of metal design and fabrication engineering . I have now managed to bridge
theories and reality on ground. I have faced many challenges while implementing development
of automated plantain slicing machine projects and I have also been able to look for the solution to
those problems.

Further I certify that, this report results from my involvement in agricultural engineering works
carried out and is not copied from any unauthorized materials and thus the activities written in
this report were carried out under close supervision of Registered Engineers and professors of
Engineering.

With regard to the professional engineering work experience I have gained so far, I finally wish
the COREN to consider, evaluate and approve my application for registration as an Engineer.

Name: ...............................................

Signature:……………………………

Date:………………………………….

46
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Endorsement

I, the undersigned, have gone through the report that has been prepared and we endorse the
experience attained and reported by the writer. Based on our personal knowledge of the character
and professional reputation of the applicant, I recommend for acceptance of this Work Experience
report by the COREN in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for registration as Registered
Engineer.

Name Stamp and Signature

5.2 Endorsement

I, the undersigned, have gone through the report that has been prepared and we endorse the
experience attained and reported by the writer. Based on our personal knowledge of the character
and professional reputation of the applicant, I recommend for acceptance of this Work Experience
report by the COREN in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for registration as Registered
Engineer.

Name Stamp and Signature

47
 APPENDICES

Design Calculations - To be signed and stamped by a Registered Engineer on every

page.

Design Drawings - To be signed and stamped by a Registered Engineer on every

page

Work Experience Images

48
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