Evaluation of Groundwater Contamination Risks in the Vicinity of Municipal Solid Waste Dump Sites adjacent on Hardoi Road Dubagga Lucknow

¹ PhD Scholar, Civil Engineering Department, Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow, India
² Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow, India
³ Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow, India

^* Corresponding author: kamalnt11@gmail.com

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the Dubagga municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill on groundwater quality in Lucknow, India. To fulfil the need of water pertaining to domestic, industry and agricultural activities, huge number of people in the world depends on groundwater sources. Due to population growth, urbanizations, and industrializations activities, the demand has steadily increased over the years. At most of the locations, municipal solid wastes are dumped on the land or filled in the pits without proper corrective measures. This has been causing groundwater contamination. a detail survey was carried out to identify the different sources of groundwater and groundwater samples were collected from five borewells within a one-kilometre radius of the landfill site. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), alkalinity, concentrations of calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, and fluoride were analysed. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated to assess the overall water quality. The findings indicate significant groundwater contamination, particularly in samples located closer to the landfill, with WQI values ranging from “Good” to “Very Poor.” Elevated levels of TDS, magnesium, and alkalinity were observed, posing potential health risks to the local population. The study underscores the need for immediate intervention and the implementation of sustainable effective waste management is essential to minimize environmental degradation and safeguard public health.