GROUND WATER QUALITY NEAR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE DUMPING SITE AT THIRUPPERUMTHURAI, BATTICALOA

Abstract

Groundwater is a precious natural water resource considered as a readily available and safe source of water for domestic, agriculture and industrial uses. In Sri Lanka, groundwater is being polluted due to various human activities. Improper solid waste management is one of the major sources of environmental pollution deteriorating groundwater quality around landfill sites. In this view, present study was carried out to assess the impact of existing landfill site on groundwater quality at Thirupperunthurai, Batticaloa. In order to achieve this, 20 well water samples around landfill site at different distance were analyzed. Parameters analyzed are pH, EC, TDS, BOD, COD, total hardness, phosphate, nitrate, copper, lead and coliform population. Results revealed that concentration of all the parameters except for pH, are higher than acceptable limits for safe drinking water. The distance from the landfill site also influences on groundwater quality. Overall, the groundwater is highly polluted due to existing landfill site in this study area. Therefore, the relevant authority should take immediate measures to rescue this area.