ABSTRACT:

The research was carried out to determine the effect of dumpsites on heavy metal concentrations in the vicinity of major dump sites in the Federal Capital Territory. Soil samples were randomly collected at depth 0-15 and 15-30cm from each of the major dumpsite. Six (6) composite (replicated) samples from each dumpsite and three in control site. Seventy-two (72) soil samples from both dumpsites and the control sites, across the three area councils selected. The samples’ locations were; Zuba, Gwagwalada 1 and Gwagwalada 11 of Gwagwalada area council; Kubwa, Bwari and Mpape of Bwari area council; Lugbe, Karu and Idu of AMAC and the control site of each dumpsite. Data collected was subjected to two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), mean values were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test.Textural class was generally sandy loam across locations of the major dumpsites in Abuja. The pH of the soil around major dumpsites was between 6.12-6.6, which depicted slightly acidity to neutral. There were appreciable values of other chemical parameters determined around the major dumpsites; exchangeable cations like Ca, K and Mg were above the critical levels while Na was below. Meanwhile, organic carbon, total nitrogen was within and above the critical level. Average mean values of total exchangeable cation, exchangeable acidity and effective cation exchange capacity (EB, Exchangeable acidity and CEC), respectively, were below the critical value. Especially, CEC values obtained from the major dumpsites were below the critical level of 10.00cmol/kg. The concentrations of the species of heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn) were significantly higher in soils around major dumpsites in Bwari when compared to the two other Councils (Gwagwalada Area Council,and AMAC). However, pollution index indicates that Mpape dumpsite recorded the highly polluted level. Findings from this study indicates that As, Cd, Pb and Cu were above the permissible limits stipulated for Nigerian soils across all the major dumpsite (WHO/FAO and NESREA). While Zn was within and below the limit .It was generally observed that heavy metal determined in all the With high concentration of some heavy metals is soils and sources of water around major dumpsites when compared to control and the permissible standards, there should be proper monitoring (regulation) in the activities of the body responsible for waste disposal.