Analysis of the risk of contamination by metals in areas of solid urban waste disposal

The inadequate disposal of solid urban waste has been of concern, due to the possibility of environmental contamination by various toxic substances, such as heavy metals. The study aims to analyze the concentration of heavy metals in soil and water samples collected around the municipal solid waste (MSW) open dumpsite, Iguatu, Ceará, Brazil. The analysis of risk to human health was determined using Hazard Quotient (HQ). The results showed the presence of heavy metals in concentrations higher than those established by current legislation. The concentration of metals in the soil and water samples were found in the following order, respectively: Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Pb> Cr and Fe> Mn> Zn> Ni> Cu> Cr> Cd> Co. However, HQ values indicate that the level of these metals may have little or no adverse health effects. The results suggest the continuous monitoring of the environmental matrices, to avoid the increase of contamination and the risk to human health.