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ABSTRACT
Leachate is a complex mixture of dissolved organic matter, inorganic salts, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants that poses significant environmental and public health risks. Unregulated dumpsites often lead to leachate infiltration into surrounding soil and groundwater, exacerbating pollution and microbial resistance concerns. This study assesses the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of leachate from the Oluku dumpsite in Benin City, Nigeria, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and chemical contamination. Leachate samples were collected from multiple points and analyzed using standard microbiological and chemical techniques. The microbial analysis revealed alarming antibiotic resistance patterns among isolates, including Lactobacillus sp. (46% resistance to Gentamycin and 39% to Levofloxacin), Corynebacterium sp. (100% resistance to Amoxicillin), and Streptococcus sp. (100% resistance to Erythromycin), highlighting the growing prevalence of AMR in landfill environments. Chemical analysis indicated that several parameters exceeded regulatory limits, raising concerns about environmental degradation. The pH values (7.04–7.21) suggested moderate organic matter stabilization, but elevated electrical conductivity (1068–1135 µS/cm) surpassed NSDWQ limits (700 µS/cm), indicating a high concentration of dissolved salts. Turbidity levels (74.5–85 NTU) significantly exceeded WHO’s permissible limit of 5 NTU, increasing the risk of pathogen accumulation and waterborne diseases. While heavy metal concentrations of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) remained within regulatory limits, their presence, alongside elevated Total Organic Carbon and Total Suspended Solids, reveals the potential for long-term environmental contamination. The study concludes that poor waste management practices contribute significantly to leachate pollution and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. To mitigate these challenges, urgent reforms in waste management policies, building of an engineered landfill and regular monitoring of leachate quality are recommended.
