Assessment of Dumpsite Environmental Impacts on Adjacent Farmland in Makurdi, Benue State

This study assesses the environmental impacts of the Wurukum dumpsite in Makurdi, Benue State, North Central Nigeria, on agricultural soils and groundwater in the surrounding farm belt. Open dumpsites without leachate containment generate contaminated seepage that can migrate laterally and vertically, affecting soil chemistry and crop productivity in adjacent agricultural land. Soil samples were collected at depths of zero to fifteen centimetres and fifteen to thirty centimetres from twenty-four sampling points at varying distances from the dumpsite boundary, up to 200 metres in the prevailing groundwater flow direction. Groundwater samples were collected from eight shallow wells within the study area. Parameters measured include pH, heavy metals including lead, cadmium, and chromium, nitrate, total petroleum hydrocarbons, and electrical conductivity. Crop yield data were obtained from twelve farming households with plots at varying distances from the site. Results show that soil pH is significantly more acidic and lead concentrations significantly elevated within 75 metres of the dumpsite boundary compared to reference sites. Groundwater nitrate concentrations in four wells located downslope from the site exceed the WHO guideline of 50 milligrams per litre. Farmers with plots within 100 metres of the site report observable crop quality problems, including yellowing and poor yields. Cadmium concentrations in one vegetable sample from the nearest farm exceed the EU food safety limit. The study concludes that the dumpsite poses credible agricultural and food safety risks. Recommendations include immediately establishing a buffer zone excluding farming and constructing a leachate containment bund around the site boundary. Keywords: dumpsite, soil contamination, farmland, Makurdi, leachate.