Trace metal concentrations in leachates from open dumpsites in Lokoja, Kogi state, Nigeria

Leachates from selected dumpsites and control site in Lokoja municipal were analyzed for trace metal concentrations. These parameters were compared with control samples and established international standards (FEPA) and (WHO). Dumpsite leachates contained very high concentrations of iron (73.60±0.58)mg/L, manganese (16.53±0.309)mg/L, copper 1.00±0.02mg/L, zinc 2.41±0.042mg/L, and lead 1.55±0.097mg/L. All the parameters except nickel and cadmium were above the control and exceed FEPA and WHO guidelines. The study revealed that the dumpsite is a major polluting source in the surrounding environment. This underlines the need for appropriate government agency of Kogi State, Nigeria to initiate active remediation process such as phytoremediation in combination with physiochemical methods to recover the dumpsite from contaminants and reduce the level of pollution in the surrounding environment.