Geotechnical and hydrogeological evaluation of a dumpsite

Groundwater contamination within the viscinity of dumpsite has elicited public health concerns in recent times. Studies has shown that contaminants may infiltrate into groundwater through permeable soils, weathered and fractured bedrocks. The study assessed the suitability of the dumpsite for waste disposal by evaluating the hydrogeophysical and geotechnical properties of rocks and soils as well as chemical characteristics of soils, plants and water in the area to ascertain the influence of the leachates from the waste on the ecosystem. Geological studies revealed that the rocks are predominantly banded and migmatite gneisses while geophysical studies revealed the presence of fluid filled fractures in the rocks. Geotechnical studies also revealed the soils are permeable while the chemical assessment of soil, water and plants indicated that they are moderately enriched with contaminants from the waste.