Effect of leachates from municipal solid wastes in the surface characteristics of calcareous soils located in Central Mexico

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities induce changes in a series of soil features. For example, continuous contact between soil and municipal solid waste leachates can encourage weathering processes as well as other mineral transformation reactions; consequently, the soil loses the function of environmental protection. Pollution-induced changes in the surface properties and morphology of soils have been rarely studied. In this work, the surface characteristics of calcareous soil located at a municipal solid waste disposal site in central Mexico were studied. Soil characterisation was carried out to determine the mesoporous size, particle surface area and crystallinity of collected samples. Comparison of these characteristics was made between soil in continuous contact with leachate flow and soil not in contact with leachate. The characterisation was carried out using X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. The presence of Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni and Cr was examined in both soils. Leachates in contact with this soil showed characteristics typical of liquid produced by the decomposition of municipal solid waste (pH, dissolved oxygen, redox potential and alkalinity).