A contaminação da água subterrânea no aterro sanitário do Município de Itabira (MG): estudo de caso

Abstract

Incorrect disposal of waste and miscellaneous waste can cause significant environmental damage, including the contamination of soils and water resources. These materials may contain chemical substances with toxic characteristics, such as toxic metals that, through the generated leachate, reach the soil and superficial and underground water bodies. The importance of studying those water resources is justified by the need to know these potential contaminants, as well as their evolution in the affected area. In this context, the present study was carried out in the Itabira/MG landfill area, and evaluated the results of the monitoring of local groundwater, carried out in laboratories from 2010 to 2019, regarding the presence of inorganic elements cadmium, lead, copper, chrome and zinc. Through the results of the analysis, it was evidenced that in all the studied points the concentrations of these metals exceeded the established legal limits. The NA map of the area was produced, showing that the highest concentrations of the inorganic elements surveyed were identified at points located downstream of the final waste disposal area and, especially, where the underground water level is highest. A study carried out in 2017 using the GOD method, which takes into account the type of aquifer, characterized the site with a moderate vulnerability index. Maps were made that showed the evolution of inorganic contaminants registered in the monitoring carried out in the analyzed period. As a result of the results obtained, as well as the relevance of the local microbasin for capturing water for municipal supply, it is of paramount importance that actions are carried out for the continuous monitoring of ground and surface water. It is also recommended to continue the studies of contamination of the area with an emphasis on proposing methodologies for the remediation of contaminated groundwater.