| dc.description.abstract | Waste generation is part of human living, with levels generated depending on the socio-economic status and the nature of the activities of the generating communities. Wastes from various source institutions find their way into collection sites, posing high pollution problems due to their heterogeneity and lengthy removal intervals. The latter inevitably leads to rotting and subsequent extrusion of filthy leachates, which are quickly washed down to neighboring communities in form of non-point pollution. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the chemical composition of leachates oozing out of the garbage open dumping sites Makerere University main campus in Kampala city; and (ii) determine the effect of shade on leachate composition in garbage sites at Makerere University. The study involved collection of leachate samples from three randomly selected, near students’ Halls of residence dumpsites, at Makerere University main campus in Uganda. The samples were collected at three day intervals, and analysed for N, P, K and heavy metals (Chromium,). The leachates were generally poor in total N, P and K contents, irrespective of shade and location on the main campus. However, the leachate from Nsibirwa Hall dumpsite had Chromium concentrations above the lower tolerable FAO limit; while those from Lumumba and Livingstone halls dumpsites were less affected by this metal. The highest volume of leachate (not measured) was registered at Lumumba Hall, where the stuff appeared to take longest intervals to be collected. Thus, wastes from Lumumba Hall dumpsite released the most smelly and thickest leachate overall. Leachates from Nsibirwa Hall dumpsite were light brown in colour, while those from Livingstone and Lumumba halls dumpsites were dark brown. Leachates from all locations were released directly to the soil surface, although the exit points from the dumpsites of Nsibirwa and Lumumba halls had cemented floors | en_US |
