Assessing the impact of landfill sites on soil and water quality in neighbouring communities : a case study of Ga-Rankuwa Township, Gauteng Province of South Africa

Abstract

Globally, solid waste generation is increasing due to accelerated population growth, rapid urbanisation, and economic activities. Consequently, the inadequate, absent, and poor planning and implementation of waste management in Ga-Rankuwa results in more waste in landfills. Although landfills carry a huge amount of waste, unmanaged waste can cause an increase in greenhouse gases, a reduction in the aesthetic of the environment, and untreated leachate pollutes surrounding water and soils, especially when proper procedures and maintenance are not followed. Regardless of how much research and awareness are done on this waste management method, environmental contamination is still evident due to inadequate/improper monitoring. The study aimed to assess the environmental impacts of the landfill site on soil and water quality in Ga-Rankuwa township. Soil samples were collected at the landfill perimeter in all 4 cardinal points and at 1 km and 2 km away from the 1st point, etcetera. Heavy metals, including Chromium, Mercury, and Lead, were assessed per sample for possible contamination by the landfill. Water samples were collected by directly dipping the containers in the nearby stream to collect water samples (upper river, mid river and lower river sections). The samples were taken to a laboratory for analysis, and further statistical tests and indices were used, and further analysis was conducted using XLSTAT. The water salinity and pollution indicators were assessed using pH, major cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+), phosphorus and heavy metals in soil and river samples near a landfill. Results showed significant variability in soil pH, with more acidic conditions closer to the landfill, likely due to leachate migration. Although heavy metal concentrations were elevated at certain sites, all values remained below WHO permissible limits and were classified as uncontaminated according to Müller's Geo-accumulation Index. River water showed slightly alkaline conditions, however, nutrient enrichment led to poor water quality. Trophic State Index (TSI) values for phosphorus exceeded 100 across all sites, classifying the river as hypereutrophic and identifying it as a pollution hotspot. While sodium values remained within acceptable limits for irrigation, microbial analysis revealed elevated amounts of E. coli and total coliforms downstream, indicating potential public health risks. It is recommended that landfill operators adopt advanced engineering solutions, such as state-of-the-art leachate collection and treatment systems, to minimise the release of harmful contaminants into adjacent soil and water bodies. Furthermore, the integration of waste segregation at source and comprehensive recycling programs should be prioritised to reduce the volume of non-biodegradable and hazardous waste entering landfills. vi