Assessment of heavy metal contamination and its mobilization from municipal solid waste open dumping site

Abstract

Influence of heavy metals was investigated by conducting various tests on the samples collected from Nonthaburi dumpsite in Thailand. The heavy metal concentration in the solid waste and its mobility potential based on its binding forms was studied. The sequential extraction method was used to determine the binding forms of metals. From the analysis, Zn was found to be highest concentrated heavy metal compared to Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni and Hg in the solid waste. From the sequential extraction, Mn, Zn and Cd mostly found in reducible form, showed its susceptibility to be leached easily. Cu and Cr were found predominantly in oxidizable form and stable under anaerobic condition. Pb and Ni were present in residual form, which is inert. The estimated individual contamination factor (C(f)(i)), showed Zn with highest affinity to leach. The concentration level of all the heavy metals in the leachate except for Cr was noticed to be below the National effluent standards. Though, indicated to be safe for disposal, its effect in any concentration proved toxic to the plant life from the seed germination toxicity test using synthetic chelate ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA).