Seasonal Dynamics and Leachate-Induced Alteration of Soils and Associated Risk of Surface Water Contamination Around the Hulene-B Waste Dump, Maputo, Mozambique
Source abstract
Abstract
Waste dumpsites in developing countries are primary pollution sources impacting nearby ecosystems. This study assessed seasonal changes in soils surrounding the Hulene-B landfill (Maputo, Mozambique) and evaluated the potential for surface water contamination by leachates. A total of 71 samples were collected during the rainy and dry periods and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), and color. The contamination potential (Pbci) was determined considering the landfill’s characteristics and local hydrological context. During the dry season, soils exhibited higher EC and OM, indicating greater retention of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and a strong tendency for accumulation. In the rainy season, leaching processes prevailed, leading to reduced EC and OM but increased potential for contaminant mobility. The Pbci values were consistently high across both periods, confirming elevated contamination risk. Overall, the Hulene-B landfill exerts a marked influence on surrounding soils and nearby surface waters, underscoring the urgent need for structural measures to control leachate release and ash dispersion.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Heavy metals in environment · Municipal Solid Waste Management · Landfill Environmental Impact Studies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
GeoBioTec Research Centre, Department of Geosciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environment, Pedagogic University of Maputo, Maputo 2482, Mozambique
Funding
GeoBioTec (UIDB/04035) Research Centre · FEDER · Operational Program Competitiveness Factors COMPETE · National funds through FCT · Portuguese Institute Camões and FNI
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