Abstract:
This study assessed the heavy metals concentrations in municipal solid wastes at Eldoret Mwenderi dumpsites
located at the shores of river Sosiani within the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. Concentrations of the three heavy
metals analysed (lead, arsenic and cadmium) in water and leachate were higher than the WHO acceptable
standards. Lead concentrations in solid wastes were slightly above East African acceptable standards but well
above the US EPA compost standards. The wastes dumped in this site are not sorted and the dumpsite lacks a
leachate collection and removal system. Lack of composite liners at the bottom and side of the dumpsite allow
leachates to move into the ground water around the dumpsite. These metals are a potential threat to Lake
Victoria and regular monitoring of ground and surface water of the surrounding area should be done to detect
any heavy metals escaping the dumpsite.