Water resources
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Gift Isaack Marandu, Kassim Ramadhani Mussa, Offoro Neema Kimambo, Amina Amri Hamad
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23 December 2024
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Assessing Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Characteristics in Leachate and Groundwater around Pugu Kinyamwezi Dumpsite, Dar es Salaam
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56542/wi.jwempo.v1.i2.a1.2024
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Keywords:
Pugu-Kinyamwezi dumpsite, leachate infiltration, groundwater contamination, environmental risks.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the extent and dynamics of groundwater contamination around the Pugu-Kinyamwezi
dumpsite in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Specifically, it evaluated the physicochemical and heavy metal characteristics of
leachate during the dry and wet seasons and assessed its impacts on the surrounding groundwater reservoirs across both
seasons. Field sampling of leachate and groundwater was conducted in four directions around the dumpsite during both
dry and wet seasons, with sixteen groundwater and three leachate samples collected per season. Physicochemical analyses
(pH, TDS and EC) were performed onsite, and heavy metal analyses (Pb, Cr, Cd and Cu) were carried out in the laboratory. Results showed that leachate exhibited higher concentrations of physicochemical and heavy metal parameters during the
wet season compared to the dry season. Similarly, groundwater contamination levels were generally higher in the wet
season, except for one direction where concentrations were significantly lower during the wet season. Groundwater
contamination exceeded WHO drinking water quality thresholds, rendering it unsuitable for consumption. Positive
correlations between physicochemical and heavy metal parameters in groundwater indicated waste leaching influence, while decreasing concentrations with distance from the dumpsite highlighted localized impacts. Principal Component
Analysis (PCA) revealed significant contributions from surface runoff and direct infiltration. These findings underscore
the urgent need for improved waste management and remediation strategies to mitigate environmental risks.
