Soil properties and environmental risk assessment of soils in the surrounding area of Hulene‑B waste dump, Maputo (Mozambique)

Abstract

Soils in areas surrounding landflls are constantly being enriched by heavy metals contained in the leachates, which can subsequently migrate to groundwater. The present investigation aims to characterize soil properties of 71 soil samples collected in the surroundings of Hulene-B waste dump and to determine the landfll pollution index (Ip). Soils properties studied were texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, color, and moisture. Results revealed that soils properties in the surroundings of Hulene-B waste dump were signifcantly altered when compared to local background. Ip index classifed these soils with very high pollution, indicating a possible migration of contaminants to subsoil and groundwater, suggesting the need for intervention to mitigate the impact.