Índices de poluição do solo por metais pesados e riscos ecológicos e a saúde humana em lixão no semiárido

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine levels of soil pollution by heavy metals, ecological and human risks (Children and Adults) in a dumpsite in the municipality of Currais Novos/RN. Deformed soil samples (up to 40 cm deep) were collected from the dump area and from a neighboring area that served as a local reference. The analyzed metals were Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr and Mn. The soil was classified as polluted with potential ecological risk considerable for Cu, moderate for Pb and low for the other metals. The overall potential for non-carcinogenic health effects indicated dermal impacts for both adults and children, and ingestion for children. There is a risk of dermal and ingestion cancer for adults and children. There is concern about the potential health risk to residents, especially children living in the surroundings of the dumpsite, due to the possibility of heavy metals being dispersed throughout the community, leading to lifelong exposure.