Metais presentes no chorume coletado no aterro sanitário de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil, e sua relevância para saúde pública

This study analyzed the levels of cadmium, lead,
copper, chromium, manganese, mercury, and
zinc in leachate from the Ribeirão Preto landfill site in São Paulo State, Brazil. Samples were
taken from runoff tanks in Module I (operating
from 1989 to 2000) and Module II (operating
since November 2000). Metal levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry
at the University of São Paulo in Ribeirão Preto
(University Hospital). Results were compared to
the maximum limits for metal concentration
in liquid effluents set by Ruling 357/2005 of the
National Environmental Council (CONAMA).
The study also investigated whether there was
any attenuation in metal concentrations in the
leachate, considering differences in the life spans
of the various Ribeirão Preto landfill site modules. Metal levels in the samples were within
the maximum limits for cadmium, chromium,
copper, mercury, and manganese, but lead and
zinc were above the limits set by the above-mentioned ruling.