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     Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences

    Abstract
2011(Vol.3, Issue:6)
Article Information:

The Impact of Oblogo Landfill Site in Accra-Ghana on the Surrounding Environment

J. Osei, S.K. Osae, J.R. Fianko, D. Adomako, C. Laar, A.K. Anim, S.Y. Ganyaglo, M. Nyarku and E.S. Nyarko
Corresponding Author:  Osei Juliet 
Submitted: 2011 April, 18
Accepted: 2011 June, 02
Published: 2011 November, 10
Abstract:
Oblogo landfill is the main recipient of waste from the city of Accra-Ghana. It is situated near an ecologically important wetland where the Densu River which supplies water to most part of the city runs through. The study was carried out to assess and evaluate the appropriateness of the location and operation of this landfill, to determine the composition of the solid waste dumped at the landfill and the extent of contamination of the landfill leachate to the surrounding environment (water and soil). Field measurements were carried out to determine the concentration of nutrients and metals in the landfill leachate, water and soil using UV spectrometer and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The landfill is not well located as it is close to a residential area, school and cattle farms.It is also located on a slope which ends in an ecologically important wetland, the Densu wetland. The landfill generates nuisances such as bad odour, scattering of waste by scavenger birds, flies and noise from vehicles carrying waste. Industrial and hospital waste are not pre-treated before disposal into the landfill. The concentration of most of the variables (nutrients, heavy metals) recorded especially for the metals were low. Nutrient values recorded in the leachate taken from the leachate canal were relatively high. The leachate has a high organic strength as the BOD/COD ratio was greater than 0.7 and this shows the higher biodegradability and acidic phase of decomposition of the landfill. Although there is accumulation of metals in the sediments and water, the concentration has not reached toxic levels to humans.

Key words:  Contamination, heavy metals, leachate, nutrients, solid waste, water,
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Cite this Reference:
J. Osei, S.K. Osae, J.R. Fianko, D. Adomako, C. Laar, A.K. Anim, S.Y. Ganyaglo, M. Nyarku and E.S. Nyarko, . The Impact of Oblogo Landfill Site in Accra-Ghana on the Surrounding Environment. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (6): 633-636.
ISSN (Online):  2041-0492
ISSN (Print):   2041-0484
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