Refine
Document Type
- Doctoral thesis (1)
Has Fulltext
- yes (1)
Is part of the Bibliography
- no (1)
Year of publication
- 2012 (1)
Language
- English (1)
Keywords
- Milderung (1) (remove)
An increase in waste production is inextricably linked to population increase and increasing civilization, and depending on the waste management approach, groundwater could be seriously affected. In Limbe, for example, waste disposal methods (sewage, littering, open dumping and burning) have led to the contamination of groundwater resources. This study aims at assessing the degree to which the Limbe waste sites conform to prescribed standards of waste site location, the extent to which the waste sites compromise or enhance groundwater protection. The study further investigates groundwater management around waste sites; investigating the factors responsible for groundwater contamination from waste sites; evaluating the extent to which past and present municipal solid waste management practices minimise or enhance groundwater contamination and suggesting possible methods (techniques) by which the existing situation can be improved. Seven groundwater samples were collected for laboratory (microbiological and physic-chemical) analyses in Cameroon and Germany. Field visits and observations made were supported by pictures and interviews. The method of waste disposal used in Limbe by LUC (until 2006) and HYSACAM (from 2006) already show negative effects on groundwater. Results of microbial analysis are higher than the standards of Cameroon, WHO and ISI 10500-91. Total Coliform showed values >1000CFU/100ml, E. coli showed up to 346CFU/100ml and others showed up to 159CFU/100ml. These excessively high values imply that water is highly contaminated biologically and so groundwater wells in Limbe are not good for human consumption. Physico-chemical analysis revealed, in most samples, values lower than the prescribed standards. However, NH4+ showed higher values in all samples (0.9mg/L-2.6mg/L). The high level of ammonium could be related to high production of sewage in households. L7 and L1 showed the lowest values, whereas, L6 showed the highest values in almost all microbial and physico-chemical parameters analysed. L6 was most contaminated with high values mostly exceeding the given limits. This dominant wetland area must be evacuated and water highly treated because it is very dangerous for human consumption. Vadose water in Limbe requires serious biological treatment and subsequent groundwater monitoring to minimise hazards. L7 and L1 have characteristics of Basalt and because of low level of contamination can be used as the base for comparison (that is natural water). Water must also be thoroughly treated for NH4 contamination. Waste disposal in Limbe is poorly practised and the site used must be changed. Improved waste management schemes like waste reduction, sorting and treatment are required before final disposal. Landfill construction with emphasis on barrier, leachate and gas collection systems will be most appropriate for waste disposal and in minimising leachate spill, and groundwater and other contamination. Geological and hydrogeological maps and investigations as well as recent climatic data are needed in order to choose an appropriate site for landfill construction. Most of all groundwater monitoring and sewage collection should be a very important consideration in the Limbe Municipality. Household dump sites must be thoroughly cleaned and the public sensitised on the importance of proper waste management to reduce groundwater contamination and its effects on man and the environment.