Assessment of soil contamination from municipal landfills in San Pablo, Peru

Abstract

The research analysed the environmental problems caused by the inadequate disposal of solid waste in the municipal landfill in the District of San Pablo. It was determined that the accumulation of waste without technical criteria generated leachates with high levels of contaminants—heavy metals, organic compounds, and pathogens—which, when infiltrating the subsoil, altered the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. The proximity of the landfill to agricultural areas increased the risk of contamination of crops and livestock, introducing toxic substances into the food chain and affecting public health. Various studies cited showed that leachates reduced soil fertility, altered its structure and caused the accumulation of elements such as lead, cadmium and zinc. An increase in gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin diseases was also observed in nearby communities. The environmental impact included landscape deterioration, loss of biodiversity and the proliferation of disease vectors. At the regulatory level, the Ministry of the Environment's Environmental Quality Standards for Soil were reviewed, along with recommendations from international organisations such as PAHO, CEPIS and CONAM, which proposed the closure of dumps and the implementation of controlled landfills with waterproofing, drainage and leachate treatment systems. The research concluded that mitigating this problem required political will, resource allocation, the application of appropriate technologies and environmental education. The need to adopt integrated solid waste management that preserved soil quality and protected the health and well-being of the population was highlighted.