Currently submitted to: JMIR Preprints
Date Submitted: Jun 30, 2025
Open Peer Review Period: Jun 30, 2025 - Jun 15, 2026
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Ten Dumpsites, One Crisis: Geoelectrical Evidence of Widespread Subsurface Contamination and Groundwater Vulnerability in Port Harcourt
ABSTRACT
Background:
Groundwater contamination from open dumpsites poses a growing environmental and public health threat in rapidly urbanizing regions of Nigeria. Inadequate waste management and the absence of engineered landfills enable leachate to infiltrate aquifers, threatening potable water safety and community health.
Objective:
This study investigates the vertical and lateral migration of leachate and assesses groundwater vulnerability across ten major dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, using geoelectrical methods.
Methods:
Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) were conducted at ten dumpsites using the Schlumberger array configuration. Zones of low resistivity, indicative of leachate impact were identified and correlated with hydrogeological conditions. Subsurface contamination depths and aquifer locations were interpreted using inversion models.
Results:
All ten sites showed evidence of leachate migration, with contamination depths ranging from 2 m to over 24 m. Deep leachate penetration was observed at Rumuola and Eliozu, while shallower infiltration occurred at Oyigbo and Rumuolumeni. High-resistivity zones (>1000 Ωm), typically representing clean aquifers, were detected below the contaminated zones at depths exceeding 14 m
Conclusions:
Leachate plumes from unregulated dumpsites pose a widespread threat to shallow groundwater systems in Port Harcourt. The results underscore the influence of local geology on contaminant behavior and affirm the utility of resistivity methods for groundwater risk assessment. Contaminated aquifers expose residents to toxic metals and pathogens, increasing risks of chronic illnesses, reproductive disorders, and developmental challenges. Protecting these water sources is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water) and 11 (Sustainable Cities). Immediate containment measures such as engineered liners and leachate recovery systems are urgently needed at high-risk sites. Strategic borehole siting, routine groundwater monitoring, and a shift from open dumping to sanitary landfilling must be prioritized in environmental policy and urban planning.
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