Topsoil Close to a Self-burning Surplus Pile: Health and Environmental Risk Impost

Fladina Folrea^*
*Correspondence: Fladina Folrea, >Department of Earth Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, Email:

Keywords

Health • Pollutants • Organic • Pile

Introduction

Self-burning waste piles are a common sight in many parts of the world. These piles are usually caused by uncontrolled fires that occur in landfills, dumps, or other areas where waste is disposed of. Self-burning waste piles can have a significant impact on the environment and human health, due to the release of pollutants into the air, soil, and water. The main cause of self-burning waste piles is the decomposition of organic waste materials, which generates heat and causes the ignition of flammable materials, such as plastics and rubber. Once the fire is ignited, it can continue burning for months or even years, releasing harmful pollutants into the environment. These pollutants can include toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and heavy metals. Environmental risk assessment is a process used to identify, evaluate, and manage the potential risks associated with the release of pollutants into the environment. The first step in the environmental risk assessment of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile is to conduct a site investigation to determine the extent of the contamination. The investigation should include sampling and analysis of soil and water samples, as well as air monitoring to assess the release of pollutants into the atmosphere [1,2].

Soil sampling should be carried out at various depths to determine the distribution of pollutants within the soil profile. The samples should be analysed for a range of contaminants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and inorganic compounds. The results of the soil analysis can be compared to background levels to determine the degree of contamination. Water sampling should be carried out to assess the potential impact of the self-burning waste pile on nearby water sources. The water samples should be analysed for a range of contaminants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and inorganic compounds. The results of the water analysis can be compared to background levels to determine the degree of contamination [3].

Air monitoring should be carried out to assess the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. The monitoring should include the measurement of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and other gases. The results of the air monitoring can be used to determine the extent of the impact of the self-burning waste pile on air quality. Health risk assessment is a process used to identify, evaluate, and manage the potential health risks associated with exposure to pollutants. The health risk assessment of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile should take into account the potential exposure pathways, such as inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact [4].

Literature Review

Inhalation is a major exposure pathway for pollutants released from a self-burning waste pile. The pollutants can be inhaled by nearby residents, workers, and wildlife. The health risk assessment should consider the exposure of vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly. Ingestion is another exposure pathway for pollutants released from a self-burning waste pile. The pollutants can be ingested by consuming contaminated food or water. The health risk assessment should consider the exposure of nearby residents who rely on local food sources and water sources. Self-burning waste piles are a common issue in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. These piles are often created by informal waste disposal practices and can pose significant environmental and health risks to nearby communities. The burning of waste materials releases toxic gases and particulate matter, which can contaminate the air, soil, and water sources. In this essay, we will discuss the environmental and health risk assessment of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile [5].

The environmental risk assessment of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile involves evaluating the potential impact of the waste on the surrounding ecosystem. This assessment considers the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, as well as the potential for the waste to leach into the groundwater. The physical properties of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile can be significantly impacted by the presence of waste. Waste materials can alter soil structure and texture, leading to compaction and reduced porosity. This can result in poor drainage and decreased water holding capacity, which can lead to erosion and the loss of topsoil. Furthermore, the heat generated by the burning waste can cause soil temperature fluctuations, which can affect plant growth and microbial activity. The chemical properties of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile can be altered by the release of pollutants from the burning waste. These pollutants can include heavy metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and dioxins. These substances can accumulate in the soil and pose a long-term threat to the ecosystem. The presence of these pollutants can also have a significant impact on the microorganisms in the soil, which can affect nutrient cycling and soil health [6].

Discussion

The biological properties of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile can also be impacted by the presence of pollutants. Pollutants can lead to the loss of beneficial microorganisms, which can affect nutrient cycling and soil health. Furthermore, the presence of pollutants can have a direct impact on plant growth and can lead to reduced productivity. The leaching of pollutants from the self-burning waste pile can also pose a significant risk to groundwater sources. This can occur when pollutants are carried by rainwater or when pollutants migrate through the soil. Once in the groundwater, pollutants can contaminate drinking water sources and pose a significant risk to human health.

The health risk assessment of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile involves evaluating the potential impact of the waste on human health. This assessment considers the potential for exposure to pollutants through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. The inhalation of pollutants from the self-burning waste pile can pose a significant health risk to nearby communities. The burning of waste materials releases toxic gases and particulate matter, which can be carried by the wind and inhaled by nearby residents. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can also increase the risk of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Conclusion

The ingestion of pollutants from the self-burning waste pile can also pose a significant health risk to nearby communities. Pollutants can leach into the groundwater and contaminate drinking water sources. This can lead to the ingestion of harmful substances, which can cause a range of health problems, including gastrointestinal issues, neurological damage, and cancer.The dermal contact with pollutants from the self-burning waste pile can also pose a health risk to nearby communities. Pollutants can accumulate in the soil and be absorbed through the skin. This can cause skin irritation and other dermatological issues.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

There is no conflict of interest by author.

References

1. de Vallejuelo, Silvia Fdez-Ortiz, Ainara Gredilla and Kátia da Boit, et al. "Nanominerals and potentially hazardous elements from coal cleaning rejects of abandoned mines: Environmental impact and risk assessment." Chemosphere 169 (2017): 725-733.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Chen, Lian, Shenglu Zhou, Yaxing Shi and Chunhui Wang, et al. "Heavy metals in food crops, soil, and water in the lihe river watershed of the taihu region and their potential health risks when ingested." gh615 (2018): 141-149.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Kumar, Vinod, Anket Sharma, Parminder Kaur and Gagan Preet Singh Sidhu et al. "Pollution assessment of heavy metals in soils of India and ecological risk assessment: A state-of-the-art." Chemosphere 216 (2019): 449-462.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Abrahim, G. M. S. and R. J. Parker. "Assessment of heavy metal enrichment factors and the degree of contamination in marine sediments from Tamaki Estuary, Auckland, New Zealand." Environ Monit Assess 136 (2008): 227-238.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Duodu, Godfred Odame, Ashantha Goonetilleke and Godwin A. Ayoko. "Comparison of pollution indices for the assessment of heavy metal in brisbane river sediment." Environ Pollut 219 (2016): 1077-1091.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

6. Ribeiro, Joana, Tais Silva, Joao Graciano Mendonca Filho and Deolinda Flores. "Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in burning and non-burning coal waste piles." J Hazard Mater 199 (2012): 105-110.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at