Comparative Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties and Heavy Metal Pollution in Soils at Dumpsites in Chennai: An Environmental Evaluation

Abstract

The disposal of municipal waste in urban areas such as Kodungaiyur and Perungudi is a significant concern. This study aimed to compare the environmental quality and potential impact on human health between these two dumpsites. To achieve this objective, the research focused on evaluating the concentration of specific heavy metals and conducting physico-chemical analyses of the soil at both Kodungaiyur and Perungudi dumpsites. This evaluation was conducted using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. Soil samples were analyzed from 32 locations in Kodungaiyur and 23 locations in Perungudi, with samples collected at various sites during September 2022. The contents of several heavy metals in the Kodungaiyur and Perungudi samples were measured in the following order: Pb > Zn > Cu > Mn > Cr > Cu > Ni > As > Fe for Kodungaiyur and Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Fe > Mn > As for Perungudi. This assessment utilized the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), and Contamination Degree (CD) to evaluate soil contamination. The analysis of heavy metal concentrations and associated pollution indices reveals significant contamination in soils around the Kodungaiyur and Perungudi dumpsites, primarily attributed to anthropogenic sources, notably indiscriminate refuse dumping. It is recommended to implement measures for monitoring uncontrolled landfills and improving solid waste management and disposal practices to mitigate this pollution within acceptable limits.