Determination of heavy metals in landfill area in Tocantins, Brazil

Abstract

Improper disposal of municipal solid waste is a problem in Brazil, especially in the North, as noted in Araguatins, TO and can lead to environmental contamination caused by heavy metals. This study aims to analyze the occurrence of heavy metals in soil and leachate in the landfill of Araguatins, TO, Brazil. Soil samples and manure were collected at different points and stored in plastic containers for later laboratory analysis of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn (slurry - atomic absorption spectroscopy)) and soil (ICP-MS). Soil samples have heavy metals concentrations based on the recommended range. The slurry samples had lead, copper and zinc above the permissive range. Key words: Heavy metals, dump, slurry, soil.