Evaluation of the contamination of the soil and water of an open dump in the Amazon Region, Brazil

Abstract

The emergence of cities and the ongoing growth of urban areas have contributed to an overwhelming increase in negative environmental impacts. A major concern is the impact caused by the inadequate disposal of municipal solid waste in open dumps without proper regulation or planning. The negative impacts caused by the inadequate disposal of solid waste include the contamination of groundwater and soils, the proliferation of disease vectors, and odoriferous and visual pollution. One specific problem generated by the disposal of solid waste is the decomposition of the organic matter found in this waste, which generates leachates. These highly soluble substances can percolate through the soil and penetrate bodies of superficial water or the water table. The present study was based on the integration of geophysical data with physicochemical, hydrochemical, and microbiological analyses, as well as the analysis of heavy metal concentrations in water and leachate samples. Contamination was confirmed and may be associated with the leachate produced by the solid waste deposited inadequately at the study site. The results provide insights into important public health and safety issues, and should alert local authorities with regard to the environmental impacts caused by underground contamination in the Amazon town of Mocajuba (Brazil).