Effects of Illegal Waste Disposal on Selected Soil Chemical Properties and Elemental Concentrations in Mthatha, South Africa
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The illegal disposal of municipal solid waste in developing cities, combined with inadequate waste management, can lead to soil contamination through leachate formation. This study evaluates the ways in which chemical properties of the soil (calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), organic carbon (O.C), hydrogen cation activity (pH), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and total cations) are affected by illegal waste disposal in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Twenty-seven sites were selected, divided into three categories: illegal dumpsites, sites adjacent to illegal dumpsites (50 m away), and control sites (protected areas). The study uncovered that soils at or adjacent to illegal dumpsites have high pH and high Cu and Cr concentrations compared to the control sites. However, there was no difference between the soil chemical composition of the illegal disposal sites and the adjacent sites, probably because of the horizontal movement of leachate. This study demonstrates that improper waste disposal affects the quality of soil (pH, Cu, and Cr). Therefore, appropriate waste management, through waste separation at source and proper disposal, is urged to prevent soil contamination, particularly from heavy metals. In areas where municipal waste collection services are not provided, it is recommended that an integrated, environmentally sound waste management practice be implemented and that citizens and local businesses be encouraged to dump waste only at appropriate waste drop-off centres.
Source: Environmental Forensics
Author: Asabonga Mngeni
Institution: Walter Sisulu University
Language: English
Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415549595