Global Journal of Earth and Environmental Science

Landfills are supposed to be the best and safest methods of waste disposal. The Mpape dumpsite was used as landfill for FCT, but did not meet the criteria for landfill construction. Evidences of pollution abound over two decades and now that the site has been closed down, there is need for a study to evaluate the level of pollution with time. This study assessed the level of soil contamination in Mpape dumpsite. The dumpsite was demarcated into six transects, out of which four points were randomly selected and a control for the study. Soil samples were collected at 0 to15 cm and 15 to 30 cm using soil auger. The samples were analysed at Abuja Environmental Protection Board Laboratory. The results show that, there is low variation in the distribution of the analysed parameters within and between the samples. The most common heavy metals found in the study area in order of abundance are Mg˃Mn˃Hg˃Cd˃Pb˃Cr˃CN˃Fe˃Cu. Correlation results shows that there is a significant positive correlation between pH and K, Pb; NH₄ and Cu⁺, Ag; F and Cd, Ag and Pb, Cl- and Cu+, CN and Cr, Humus and K, at (p≥0.05), while NO₃ and PO₄²; Mn and NH4, Cd and Br, Hg; Al and Cl-, Cd and Hg; Pb and K, Humus at (p ≤ 0.01). Statistically, there is no significant variation between the sample points and there is no significant difference between the experimental results and WHO standard, but there is significant difference with the control sample. This shows that the dumpsite has polluted the soils despite the closure of the dumpsite. It is therefore recommended that before siting a landfill, there should be strict compliance with the guidelines for its siting, construction and regular monitoring in order to minimize the menace to the soils.