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The South Pacific Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences The South Pacific Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Society
Research and review papers in the area of science, engineering and mathematics
RESEARCH ARTICLE

First screening study of metal content in soil from a mixed waste receptacle

Shaneel Chandra, Philomena Gangaiya, Culwick Togamana and Surendra Prasad

The South Pacific Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences 33(2) 7 - 12
Published: 16 February 2016

Abstract

We report the first screening study for the metals copper, zinc, lead, nickel and cadmium in the Lami municipal disposal facility, in Suva, Fiji where virtually uncontrolled dumping has been carried out for over fifty years. Soil from three parts of the facility having had different degrees of usage was analysed for a range of heavy metals, and evaluated according to international guidelines. The results show copper (100–220 mg kg–1), lead (200–500 mg kg–1) and zinc (220–350 mg kg–1) concentrations exceeded commonly used eco-toxicity threshold values (copper, 160 mg kg–1; lead, 210 mg kg–1; and zinc, 220 mg kg–1). Moreover, there were indications that considerable leaching may have been occurring for long periods of time at the site. Overall, this study shows that even in areas with little industrialization, lack of adequate waste management controls can result in unusually high levels of contamination. The results raise concerns about the wellbeing of the communities living adjacent to the facility that depend on the adjacent marine environment for subsistence.

https://doi.org/10.1071/SP15002

© The University of the South Pacific 2016

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