Distribution Of Heavy Metals In Soil Peripheral To A Solid Waste Landfill

Author

Tajudeen Ayinla Lawal, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

12-1980

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemistry

Degree Discipline

Civil Engineering

Abstract

The influence of a solid waste landfill on the accumulation of Pb and Cd in soil profiles within and peripheral to the landfill is reported. Along select transects from the center of the landfill, soil samples at 5 depths within the profile were collected at the lower slope and upper slope in the landfill and in pasture peripheral to the landfill during the months of April and July. Relatively high concentrations of Pb and Cd (80 ppm and 1.5 ppm mean concentration respectively) were detected throughout the soil profiles sampled in the lower slope area as a response to the subsoil leachates and surface runoff of heavy metals dispersed in soil matrix. Concentrations of Pb and Cd averaging slightly higher than background levels were found in the soil profiles (8 ppm and 0.5 ppm mean concentration respectively) in the upper slope area. The effect of the creek which serves as a barrier to the movement of the leachate from the landfill prevented Pb and Cd moving out of the landfill and contaminating the soil profiles in the pasture area peripheral to the landfill. The results of this study identifies two possible useful practices in designing and management of solid waste landfill; one, the effect of slope to remove heavy metal leachate along predetermined transects allowing for the self reclamation of the landfill, and two, to provide a water barrier separating the landfill from, adjacent useful land. The creek serves as a barrier in which the heavy metal contaminant can be isolated and moved into retaining pools thus they can be reused or disposed of in isolation. These practices would aid in developing landfills having minimum adverse impact to the environment.

Committee Chair/Advisor

Eugene Brams

Committee Member

Luke

Committee Member

John Williams

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

© 2021 Prairie View A & M University

Date of Digitization

1/28/2022

Contributing Institution

John B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Lawal, T. A. (1980). Distribution Of Heavy Metals In Soil Peripheral To A Solid Waste Landfill. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-theses/1030